


Copyright }l?. 


COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



PRETTY PEGGY O 


A NOVEL 


BT 

MARY KING ELLIOTT 



BROADWAY PUBLISHING CO. 

835 Bboadway, New York 
1913 





COJPYRIGHT, 1918 
BY 

MARY KING ELLIOTT 

ENTERED AT STATIONER'S HALL, LONDON. 

All fights reserved. 








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PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTEK I. 

On the high bluff which bordered the river where it 
lost itself in the sea^ stood a row of seven houses — each 
large, and set in dignified retirement within its protect- 
ing gardens, each pitiful in its attempt to keep up in 
original state an environment pared to the quick by pov- 
erty, and each staunch in all essentials — ^with years of 
service in its sturdy walls — ^though built by hands long 
eased from labor. 

At one end of the row was the Church, like them, of 
cement-covered brick, grown mellow with the passing 
years, within whose shadow huddled the graves of gen- 
erations of worshipers, the tale of whose lives had, for 
the most part, begun and ended in the little oak-shaded 
village of Oglethorpe. 

There were three streets running at right angles to the 
bluff, and after a short period of usefulness losing them- 
selves in the pine barren and palmetto scrub which 
stretched between the great rice fields on the fresh water, 
and the homes which the planters hopefully considered 
malaria proof, from their situation on the salt water, 
which, though called a river, was really but an arm of 
the sea. 

There were small stores in Oglethorpe, where the usual 
medley of incongruities tempted the light pockets of its 
residents, and smaller houses which were so surrounded 

7 


8 PRETTY PEGGY O 

by greenery that they looked like over-grown birds’ nests 
to the passer by. 

Negro cabins were plentiful on the outskirts, where 
there was usually some attempt to plant cotton on a 
small scale, and to raise such garden truck as could be 
disposed of without the exercise of too much energy. 

But it was the houses on the bluff which really formed 
the village ; the little upstart growth behind them being 
only the natural outcome of their needs. 

At one time, such needs were supplied by cities more 
or less distant, and in a time still further back, when the 
little town of Beaufort scorned to trade with any less 
than London, and sailed her merchantmen across the 
ocean for gear to suit the taste and means of her citizens, 
Oglethorpe was one of the many who profited by such 
enterprise, as the furnishings of the stately homes on 
the bluff bore testimony — the purchases of that day being 
of necessity still in use, as, for half a century their 
owners had thanked God for a roof over their heads, and 
a river before their door fertile with the inexhaustible 
food of the sea. 

On the last day of the old year, the great, carved doors 
of the house next to the Church had opened for the last 
time to let the master through ; and a month later, his 
affairs had been set in order, and, except to his daughter 
and a few staunch friends, .his memory had sunk mto a 
schedule of mistakes ; the wilful mistakes of a man who 
chooses to go through life with his head high, his hands 
clean, and his heart without guile. 

To his widow, who missed in him a patient listener, 
his death was a never-ending grievance, and she had 
spent the greater part of a wet afternoon in ringing such 
changes as she allowed upon this subject, for the benefit 
of her sorely tried step-daughter ; but the girl’s heart was 
so wrung with the misery of her loss, that she paid little 
attention to the fretful voice which prosed on and on, 
until she suddenly felt that she must go — do something, 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


9 


anything — ^bnt that she would lose her self-control if she 
stayed there — so rising hurriedly, she was passing from 
the room, when the peevish voice called her again. 

Mag, Mag Beverley ! I declare, child, you have ab- 
solutely no consideration for my nerves. You are just 
like your poor father, with no thought except for per- 
sonal comfort. Here — ^look in that drawer, no, not that 
one, can^t you see where Pm pointing? There — ^yes, 
look in that drawer, and see if there is a letter addressed 
to you. There, is that yours? I thought it was your 
father’s handwriting, and I was going to open it, but 
somebody interrupted me. Never mind. You may tell 
me if there’s anything worth writing about in it.” 

Long before the speech was ended Peggy had the let- 
ter clasped in her hands, as if to protect it from a pro- 
faning touch. 

Oh, ’Te Lulu, where did you find it ? ” she cried, the 
tears which the unexpected sight of her father’s writing 
had brought to her eyes, rolling unheeded down her 
cheeks. 

^^For the Lord’s sake, stop crying; you’ll drown us 
with your everlasting tears ! It’s one of your most ex- 
asperating ways of showing selfishness. Where did I 
find the letter ? In your father’s desk, to be sure. I was 
searching for that old pearl brooch he always kept locked 
up there, the day after he was buried, and came across 
the letter in the same place. I forgot to give it to you 
before, but I dare say there’s nothing special about it. 
Here, let me look. Here — Mag ! ” 

But Peggy had gone, and not daring to stop indoors 
where she might be caught, before she had read her 
father’s letter, she snatched up a square of oil cloth, 
which was used as a lap cover for the dilapidated buggy, 
and throwing one end over her head, while the rest cov- 
ered her shoulders, she ran quickly out of doors, down 
between the great Caccena hedges, and through the 
wicket gate that separated the garden from the Church 


lO 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


grounds. Here she squeezed into the tiny dry space, 
protected by the overhanging eaves of the vestry door, 
and drawing her precious letter from her bosom, pressed 
it to her lips and cheeks in a dumb ecstasy of grief be- 
fore she broke the seal, and with tear-blurred eyes read 
her fathers message. 

Peggy, darling, this is old Daddy^s last word to his 
Comfort-daughter. I’m afraid I’ve got to leave you, dear 
Peggy, but I don’t want to worry you with a fear which 
is perhaps groundless, so I take this means of talking to 
you. If nothing occurs, so much the better for us both, 
but if my suspicions are correct, and I am called away 
suddenly, it will be so much the better, for only me and 
you, my little one, will suffer. 

I have examined the situation from all sides, and no 
matter what happens, in the present status of things, I 
see only hard work and thankless responsibility for you. 
While we are together, we can march shoulder to shoul- 
der, and heart to heart; but how about the time when 
you must step out alone ? My baby girl — my only child 
— it will mar the joy of Heaven if I know you are un- 
happy; but yours is a strong nature — ^you are like your 
dear mother, Peggy, and if I wrote pages in your 
praise, I could say nothing better than that. But as 
you are strong, so also, will be your need of strength. 
ISTow listen, daughter, for I am speaking without re- 
serve, and I need not tell you that this letter is to you 
alone. I think you should know why I married my 
present wife. You remember that she is my distant 
cousin, bearing our name by right of birth as well as 
marriage, and it was to keep that name clean in the 
sight of the world, that I offered her the protection of 
my home. For she was in piteous need, and my action 
at that time, silenced the tongue of slander. But I was 
wrong, Peggy. I wronged you, and myself, and I 
wronged your dear mother, the only woman in the 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


II 


world for me, from the first hour that I saw her face. 
The woman who bears my name, and who stands by my 
side, is no wife of mine, and her child has no drop of 
my blood except as I am her mothers kinsman. 

From a false idea of family honor, I have placed this 
thorn .where its pricking is unseen, but none the less 
galling, and it is only after long thought and earnest 
prayer that I have told you this, for I fear that you will 
need the knowledge to emancipate yourself from the 
grasp of her selfishness. And now for my advice. My 
chil^ there is no need for you to darken your young life 
with the shadow of an old sin. I did that which I 
thought right at the time, but I believe now, mine was 
mistaken kindness. 

Through your mother you own this house and its 
contents, and your half of the plantation, will, when 
sold and added to the little inheritance from your 
grandmother, give you a small income, sufficient for 
yourself, but if you try to spread it thin enough to 
cover the expenses of three people, you will find your- 
self penniless before six months have passed. I speak 
whereof I know, Peggy. Lulu^s is a hand always 
stretched for more, and a greed never satisfied, even 
should you give her all. She has a little money of her 
own, and the old cotton plantation above Agusta will 
give her a home, though she will not go there if she can 
help it. But you must be firm, for I can not bear to 
think of your youth wasted in thankless self-sacrifice. 

I have laid bare my heart to you, my child, and have 
advised you as best I can, having only your welfare in 
my thoughts, but many circumstances will arise which 
cannot be foreseen by me, and you will have questions 
to decide which will, for our names^ sake, have to be 
kept secret from everyone except Martineau. You 
have a true friend in him, Peggy darling, who loved 
your mother, and loves you, next to the love I have given 
you both. He will help in every crisis, and you may 


12 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


trust him always. But in your perplexities, remember 
that nothing is too small to carry to God for guidance. 
Think of it, Peggy, if I, your human father, love you 
with such devotion, what must be the love of your 
Father in Heaven? Little daughter, I could write to 
you for hours, for I know that when you read this you 
will be in sore need of comfort, but you and I have long 
ago decided certain questions for ourselves, and I do not 
fear that you will forget them. Only I am so glad to 
feel for you that protective love of God, and while my 
human fatherhood reaches out beyond the grave to bless 
you, in my heart I am at peace. Don^t think I will 
forget you when I am beyond the sight of your earthly 
eyes. Love never forgets. It is the one human attribute 
which can bridge the grave and live on in Heaven. God 
bless my daughter. This is the prayer which has been 
in my heart during all the nineteen years we have lived 
together, and which will remain constant with me until 
you come to make the joy of Heaven complete for your 
dear mother and me. Good-bye, my darling — it is only 
for a little while ; for what are the years of the longest 
life, in comparison with the Eternity beyond? Good- 
bye. 

Always your devoted father, 

Beverley Catherwood Beverley. 

Peggy read the letter twice, yet only with the third 
reading came comprehension. At first she felt an over- 
whelming pride in her father who had kept the old name 
unsullied; then a great pity for the uselessness of it. 
The stain was there, even though their little world was 
satisfied that there had been but a passing shadow. 

And who was benefited by the sacrifice? Hot the 
name ; that stood for good or evil, as did the actions of 
those who had borne it. It would end with herself. 
There were no more Beverleys to hold their heads high, 
as their forefathers had done, in the land for which so 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


13 


many of them had died in vain. She was the last of the 
Beverleys. No, there was Amy. Her mother’s name 
would by rights, be hers, she supposed. But it was all 
so strange, so unaccountable. Yet with knowledge of 
the circumstances, many things which had puzzled her 
became luminous with understanding. 

Peggy sat crouched in the corner of the doorway, in- 
stinctively drawing the old oilskin cover about her 
shoulders, but with no more realization of the weather 
than had her father resting quietly six feet under 
ground. She could not plan, nor even think coherently ; 
she could only feel, and remained huddled in her cor- 
ner stunned into blankness, while the dull, gray after- 
noon darkened into night, and it was only when she 
turned again to the letter, and found that she could no 
longer see to read it, that she realized the length of her 
absence. 

Before she started, however, she folded her father’s 
message and placed it inside the waist of her gown. 

Her stepmother had probably forgotten it’s exist- 
ence for the moment, but suppose she asked to see the 
letter ? 

Peggy stood still, her hand on the wrought-iron gate 
leading into the garden, and wondered what she should 
do. She could not show it. There would be no use in 
saying it was lost or mislaid. Even ’Te Lulu would 
know she had not parted with it. The rain poured 
steadily on the girl’s unprotected head, from which the 
old oilskin had slipped, and the raw wind made her 
shiver with its chill and eeriness. She must go in. 
Well, she would be guided by circumstances. If ’Te 
Lulu asked questions she would answer as best she 
might. She would not lie about it, and she would not 
hurt the elder woman’s feelings if she could help it. 
She would try to be natural, and if she couldn’t be 
natural she would be as natural as she could. With 
this strangely expressed resolution, Peggy ran quickly 


14 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Tip the path, and around through the piazza, behind the 
house, to the door which opened into the back hall. In 
this way, and by using the private staircase, she gained 
her own room without meeting anyone, and had dried 
and rearranged her hair, and changed her dripping gar- 
ments, before the sound of the supper bell called her 
down stairs. 

Mrs. Beverley seldom appeared at meal times unless 
there were guests, or unless it suited her convenience 
to do so, and wet weather was generally made an excuse 
for the enjoyment of a great, light wood-fire in her own 
room, and a tray of specially prepared dainties served 
as only Peggy knew how, on a small table beside her. 

The great dining-room was chill and full of shadows, 
the light from the one lamp on the table seeming only 
to make the gloom beyond its radius more oppressive; 
and Amy, already seated, was grumbling in audible 
revolt against a poverty which had to be content with 
one or two decent fires in a house big enough, and cold 
enough to need dozens, and with one lamp in a room 
which would be dark with forty. Besides, there was 
nothing she liked for supper. She was sick of oysters, 
and Peggy knew it, and only ordered them to please 
herself. 

If she were made housekeeper, Peggy would soon see 
how many different and delightful dishes she would get 
without spending a penny more ; at all of which Peggy 
laughed pleasantly while busying herself in the arrange- 
ment of Mrs. Beverley^s supper, for having heard it 
many times she did not take the girl seriously. But 
when she had called Treason, and despatched the loaded 
tray to its destination, and having taken her usual seat 
at the head of the table, was pouring the coffee from a 
silver um of dimensions to suit the room, Amy returned 
to the attack. 

You are only two years older than I am, Peg,^’ she 
said, and you have been keeping house since you were 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


15 


twelve. DonT you think iPs my turn? And I was 
thinking last night about ways and means. Do lePs 
form a committee, just you and me, for Mamma is 
nothing but a dead weight, and always leans on the 
side of least exertion. But we are young, and it makes 
me shudder to think of living all the years we^ve prob- 
ally got ahead of us, down here in Oglethorpe. Don^t 
you feel that way ? 

Why no,^^ returned Peggy, slowly, her mind giving 
only a surface attention to the subject; her real thoughts 
still going over her fathers letter in a sort of dumb and 
horrified surprise. hTo, I never thought of living any- 
where else. This is home, and my mo therms and grand- 
mothers home before me. ISTo, I don^t think I should 
like to give it up. Of course I long to travel; every- 
body does, I suppose, who can^t afford it, but I wouldn^t 
even start out for Rome, which is my Mecca, without 
my home to come back to when I got tired. YouM get 
homesick yourself, Amy. You’re only strong with the 
strength of ignorance.” 

Pm no more ignorant than you are,” replied Amy, 
and if you will just listen to my plan, we’ll both be able 
to get rid of our countrifiedness. To begin with, I 
know of course, that the stuff I’m talking about belongs 
to you, but it doesn’t do you a bit of good just to own 
it; you can use plated silver and cheap furniture quite 
as well, and my idea is, sell all this junk that people 
rave over these days, and take the money for a pro- 
longed spree. With the little we’ve got, we could live 
quite well for a year or two, and surely it wouldn’t take 
longer than that to catch a husband. I’m speaking 
only the plain truth when I say that we are both far 
better looking than the usual run of girls, and if we 
can outshine them in these rags that we are obliged to 
wear, we’d be American Beauties of the first water, 
turned out by a good dressmaker. And we are simply 
rusting here. Do think about it. I’m in such a state of 


i6 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


irritation and mutiny, I can hardly keep still. I want 
to scream, to yell, to do anything that will break the 
monotony. Peggy, are you listening? I donH believe 
youVe heard a word. Do Peg, come out of your day 
dreams, and act like other people. Honestly, have you 
been listening ? Did you hear what I said ? 

Certainly I have been listening, therefore also cer- 
tainly, I heard what you said,^^ answered Peggy, rising 
and walking over to the long mahogany sideboard, on 
which stood a few pieces of old English silver. ^^But 
there^s not a bit of use thinking about it, Chickie. Pll 
never sell so much as a spoon while I can use my health 
and strength to keep a few grains of rice in the family 
pot. As for the gear, every stick of it is endeared to me 
by association, and I would find no pleasure in the spree 
you speak of if I had to part with any piece of furniture 
for money to pay my way. Don^t think about it any 
more, Amy. There are many things on my mind to- 
night and for some reason or other Dm a^ully wor- 
ried. Did you know that ^Te Lulu had a letter from 
Mr. Hawkins this morning, telling her that he fears 
there is no demand for rice lands just now, and that 
though he has reduced the price to the very limit, he 
has not even had an inquiry? Now what bothers me 
is this. If s February, and the work ought to be start- 
ing — that is, if there is to be any crop this year. And if 
we canT sell it, I don^t see how we can let it lie idle. 
Eice land reverts in one year to marsh, that it takes 
three years to bring back into first-class cultivation, 
and low as the price is now, we won^t be able to ask 
so much if the place isn^t in order. But who is to plant 
it? I have been asking myself the question all day. 
Did ^Te Lulu say anything to you about it ? 

Yes, the same old grumble, grumble, grumble — if it 
isn^t one thing if s another, so I don^t listen when I can 
help it. I can^t do anything, so why should I bother? 
I^m far more interested in what Maumer told me just 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


17 


now. They have sold Paradise at last, and for just 
oodles of money. A very rich man from up north, or 
west, or somewhere has bought it and means to fix it 
up. His wife has to live in the South, I think, and the 
Hallams are lucky to have attracted his attention with 
their little two by four bleat, which Julia always re- 
ferred to as an advertisement. It was the thought of 
their good fortune that made me suggest the plan you so 
effectively stamped on just now. IPs bad enough to 
live in Oglethorpe with no man between the ages of 
fifteen and eighty to enliven the horizon, but I simply 
hate to have our seclusion and poverty invaded by these 
rich people, who will call us natives and patronize us, 
if they take any notice of us at all. And I know mamma 
will call, and it looks so strange for us not to wear 
mourning and all that, and I do wish, Peggy that you 
wouldn^t call mamma ^Te Lulu. It sounds like a sneeze 
and warble. How did you ever begin it anyhow 
Peggy laughed. 

IPs very commonplace ; there’s no mystery about it, 
in spite of the sound. Why, you know I was taught to 
call her Tante, when I could first talk, and when you 
began your efforts at conversation, she liked you to call 
her Lulu, don’t you remember? Well, my troublesome 
tongue, which has gotten me into many a scrape, tried 
to combine the two, and instead of saying Tante Lulu, 
I slurred it down to ’Te Lulu, that’s all.” 

^^Well, it sounds like, I don’t know what, and oh, 
I wish, I vsdsh, I wish,” and Amy turned her head to 
hide the tears of fretful self pity which overflowed her 
eyes. 

As for not wearing mourning that is no one’s busi- 
ness but our own. Daddy disliked it, and it was his 
wish that we should not put it on. And as for being 
called natives, well, we are natives I suppose, as much as 
any white people can be in America. They won’t con- 
fuse us with the festive red man, I dare say, and trem- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


i8 

ble for their . scalps. For my part, I am rather glad 
they are coming. They will probally fix up Paradise in 
a way that will boom Oglethorpe, and while I hope 
never to sell my home here, it would be a mighty com- 
fortable feeling to know that I could get a decent price 
for it, if push came to shove, and I had to let it go. 
And I certainly am glad to hear that the Hallams have 
got some money at last. Think what it will mean to 
that poor crippled boy, and though I know you don’t 
like Julia, and she is a bit trying, I own, at any rate she 
has given up her youth to her brother’s need, and I am 
thankful she can afford a little pleasure now, though it 
is rather late in the day.” 

Yes, and that is just what will happen to us. We 
will go on living here, never knowing any excitement 
greater than the loss of the crop, and with no change in 
our lives beyond the change in the seasons. And you 
will grow old and fat, and I’ll grow old and thin, and 
mamma’ll die, and Maumer’ll die, and Treason and 
Stratagem will grow too old to work, and Spoils never 
worked when she was young, except when Maumer was 
behind her with a paddle, and some day a stranger, a 
book-agent, or a tax assessor, or one of our usual social 
diversions, will plow through the weeds to the door, and 
find us both in the drawing-room, withered to the bone 
for years, but each in a carved claw-footed chair, Bever- 
leys to the last. That’s our future.” 

Peggy laughed, not realizing the girl was in earnest, 
and the laugh seemed to add the last straw to Amy’s 
burden. She threw out her arms with a tragic gesture, 
then burying her face in them sobbed aloud.” 

^^Why, Amy — Why, Chicadee — Amy — ^You mustn’t 
take it to heart so. Things won’t come to that. I’ll 
sell something before that. Dear child, don’t cry, 
please.” But Amy shook off the arm laid affectionately 
around her shoulders, and without a word ran up stairs, 
where Peggy heard the door slam as she reached her 
own chamber, and shut out possible intruders. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


19 


Calling Treason to clear away the dishes, Peggy 
walked slowly through the great, dim hall, and paused 
to look through the wrought-iron traceries beside the 
door at the pouring rain without. 

Her mind felt numb, and she seemed to herself to be 
pushing some thought away from her consciousness until 
she could be alone and beyond intrusion. 

The knowledge obtained that afternoon lay like a 
weight on her heart, yet she wondered in a dazed way 
that she should feel no change in her affection toward 
Amy. 

Amy was just what she had always been, but when she 
had thought of her as her half sister, she had sometimes 
felt angry that she did not love the girl with the whole- 
hearted devotion that she thought her duty, and she 
knew now, that though her father’s manner had always 
been such that no one else suspected he had taken his 
eldest daughter to his heart to the almost total exclusion 
of the younger, she had always recognized the difference 
in his love for her, and amid the shifting recollections 
which made her dizzy, and almost incapable of coherent 
thought, she could not but feel pity for the man whose 
life was chilled because he had cast the mantle of his 
charity over other shoulders, and pity too, for the girl, 
whose being was her mother’s shame ; who brought into 
the world with her little beyond toleration, and who, 
except in the few cases of boyish devotion amongst the 
youth of the neighboring plantations, had so entirely 
failed to win the love for which her heart was starving. 

Peggy herself had never really loved her, but she 
loved her now. The pity of it! All this misery and 
sacrifice, and for what? As she stood gazing through 
the pane into the night, and dumbly asking herself this 
question, a fretful voice at the head of the stairs called 
suddenly, and like an answer to her thoughts. 

Coming ’Te Lulu,” she answered, running up the 
steps. I only stopped a moment to listen to the rain. 


20 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Do you hear it? The sound of the tide beating against 
the bluff is like thunder when the door is opened. Pm 
afraid some of the bath-houses will go to pieces — the 
water is quite a foot above the floor, Stratagem says. 
He went down to draw the boat higher up on the 
beach.^^ 

Peggy was so terrified lest the letter of the afternoon 
should be referred to, that she dared not stop talking; 
yet she was unprepared for the wave of aversion which 
swept over her at the first sight of her stepmother. 

Red haired, like so many of the Beverleys, hers was 
of the straight, sandy sort, while her small blue eyes 
with their light lashes were creased into looking smaller 
than they were, by the intrusion of the large red cheeks, 
so large that not only were the eyes belittled, but the 
short, straight nose and round, thick-lipped mouth were 
also overshadowed, and of the chin, nothing at all was 
seen except the roll of fat which stood for the chinas 
double. 

Surprised by her own feelings, and with but the one 
thought of hiding them, Peggy dashed into the subject 
of the new owners of the Hallam estate, which trailed 
its acres for nearly a mile above Oglethorpe, and which 
boasted one of the handsomest houses in the state, 
although through the poverty of its owners, it had long 
since fallen into partial decay. 

Mrs. Beverley was much interested, and Peggy was 
called upon to furnish information regarding the pur- 
chasers such as would have taxed the knowledge of their 
nearest and dearest. 

Even when she had found the book which Mrs. 
Beverley did not think she had finished, but could not 
remember, and the last chapters of which she now 
proposed to read aloud to her, there were interruptions 
for the introduction of such questions as these. Mag, 
do child don^t be so sudden in starting to read. I just 
want to ask how old a man this one is, the one who has 
bought Paradise, I mean?^^ 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


21 


Why, I don^t know,^^ replied Peggy. I donH even 
know his name. I heard he would spend some of the 
winters here, because his wife is delicate, and the doctors 
ordered her Sonth.^^ 

Then she is old,” said Mrs. Beverley sagely, nodding 
her head until her hard, red cheeks swayed with the 
motion. If she were young, she would go to Palm 
Beach, or somewhere where there is more or less diver- 
sion; St. Augustine, maybe, or Savannah. However, 
I don^t suppose she has ever seen this place; she could 
not be blindfolded and backed on it, if she had. Pd 
wager, if I had a copper to do it with, that they have 
bought the whole estate from the description of some 
agent. You know how those people describe things. 
I should like to know what they think of the name 
once they have seen the place iPs supposed to describe.” 
And Mrs. Beverley broke into a cackle of amusement, 
which was startling because so unusal. 

It was not until some hours later, when the woodbox 
was found to be empty, and the room growing chill, that 
Mrs. Beverley could be persuaded to retire, and as Amy 
had not emerged from her chamber it fell to Peggy^s 
lot to arrange the numberless small needs without which 
her stepmother never tempted a nighPs rest. 

Finally, when she could think of nothing more ; when 
her dressing-gown was hung over the back of a certain 
chair, and the slippers that matched it placed at the 
correct distance from it ; when the candle, and matches, 
the water, and the dainty little night luncheon was seen 
to be on the table within reach ; when the fire was drawn 
apart, and the embers scattered over the floor of the 
great chimney so that no fear of a sudden blaze should 
affect nerves always on the lookout, and eager to be 
affected ; when the nightgown was placed where it could 
become warm, but not hot, and the sleeping gloves laid 
on the downturned bed, and the old Bible without which 
Mrs. Beverley would never dare to brave solitary dark- 


22 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


ness, placed under the unused pillow, Peggy gave a 
glance around to see that nothing had been forgotten, 
and left the room, closing the door softly at the first 
full stop in her stepmothers conversation, and speeding 
to her own chamber for fear of being recalled. 

Now that she was alone, and could think and wonder 
to her heart’s content, Peggy suddenly found herself 
unable to do either. She was only sleepy, so sleepy that 
there was no room for any other feeling, so stumbling 
out of her day dress and into her nightdress, she slipped 
between the lavender scented sheets in the huge four 
post bed, and, with every intention of lying awake until 
night had brought decision to her perplexed mind, was 
asleep before her head had warmed the pillow on which 
it rested. 


23 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER II. 

As Peggy said, it was time something was done, and 
as Peggy knew, there was no one but herself to do it. 
Brought up as she had been, the constant companion 
of her father, riding with him through the rice fields, 
and listening to his instruction regarding the crop, she 
had years before arrived at the dignity of being con- 
sulted, and there were occasions referred to by memory 
with pride, when her advice had been taken, and with 
good results. Now the question was, dare she try to 
plant alone? She knew well, few better, that of all 
crops rice is the most unstable, being subject to freshets 
and cyclones, each apt to be fatal to the yeaPs work; 
besides having to contend with the numberless obstacles 
which nature evolves for the despair of such as try to 
tame her savagery. To plant and harvest one thing 
where nature has decided that seeds of her own sowing 
shall grow and reproduce their kind, involves a watch- 
fulness which never flags, and a concentration of mind, 
body, and estate, which, if applied to a less ill-natured 
proposition, would land one on the button which tops 
the cap of Fortune. 

But although this fact is dimly recognized, by such 
as own rice plantations, the mere fact of their owner- 
ship drives them always over the same road to the ex- 
pected result. 

And for the Beverleys the conditions were unsually 
rigid. They could not sell the plantation for half the 
value of a standing crop. Indeed at the moment, they 
could not sell at all, although in brighter days, they had 
been valued at many thousands. And if they were 


24 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


obliged to hold them, they must be planted, for the 
expense of keeping np the river banks, and all the 
intricate system of watering lands which lay below the 
sea level of a fresh water river near enough to the 
ocean to be affected by the rise and fall of the tides, 
was too great to be undertaken without the income 
from the rice itself. The agent having failed to sell or 
rent the lands, and there being a prejudice on Mrs. 
Beverley’s part against the rank and file of overseers, 
there was, so far as Peggy could see, but one thing to do, 
and Peggy like, she determined to do it with all her 
might. 

^^’Te Lulu,” she said one morning, when the bright 
sunlight and soft wind had tempted Mrs. Beverley into 
the garden, where Peggy, armed with a scuffle hoe, was 
loosening the earth around the great Devoniensis rose 
which flung its wealth of greenery and bloom over a 
little summer house; ^^’Te Lulu, Fve been thinking, 
and the consequence is this. Won’t you come and sit 
down a minute ? Or, if you don’t mind standing. I’ll be 
as quick as I can. But I must talk to you — we can’t 
lose any more time. As Mr. Hawkins wrote you, we 
can’t sell or rent the plantations, and it’s too late to try 
any more this year. We’ve got to decide whether to 
plant or have them lie idle. In the latter case, we’ll 
never sell them, for they’ll be turning into marsh. We 
haven’t money to keep up the banks; you know that — 
well, it lies between hiring an overseer, or trusting the 
crop to me.” 

Now don’t talk to me about overseers, Mag Beverley. 
I’ve been plucked like a partridge by men who under- 
take to oversee my plantations, and who do nothing 
with success but draw their salary. Look at that man 
Jennings, who promised such wonderful results on that 
cotton place I own up country, and when he could find 
no further way of troubling me, he died. I would never 
have engaged him if I had known he was an invalid, and 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


25 


it makes no difference for your father to point out that 
the man told us he had come South for his health. 
That was just like your father, taking sides even with a 
dead overseer, against his own family; I never knew a 
person so troubled by incompetence as I am. Now here 
you propose to work the plantations yourself; what 
manner of right have you to suppose you can pay back 
the money you’ll have to borrow before you can start 
a plow ? It’s all very well for you to talk, Mag Beverley, 
I never in my life knew your equal for putting your- 
self forward, and trying to make people believe you are 
the head of the house — ^but everyone understands that 
it’s just your vanity — ^you need not suppose anyone is 
taken in by your foolish attitude.” 

Poor Peggy felt the hot blood surge to her brain, 
and before she could stop to think, she had stepped 
in front of her stepmother and with flashing eyes spoke 
in a low, tense voice. 

^^Yes, ’Te Lulu, it is quite true. I act as though I 
am the head of this house, because I am its head. This 
house is mine, as are all the contents except such clothes 
as belong to you and your daughter. I’m sorry my 
manner displeases you, but I have no thought of chang- 
ing it. On the contrary, I mean to make it more im- 
pressive. Therefore, I think you would be far wiser, 
to take Amy and go to your own home, where you can 
raise your cotton yourself, independent of overseers, and 
where 3^ou will have no one near whose vanity is so 
objectionable. I am quite in earnest about this, and in 
speaking, I am only carrying out my father’s wish.” 

And with a little bend of the golden head held so 
high in a fury of pride, Peggy turned on her heel, and 
walked toward the house without another glance at the 
face which had gaped with surprise, and turned purple 
with rage at her words. 

Here, Mag, here — Mag Beverley,” cried Mrs. 
Beverley, waddling after her. Come back here this 
minute, I want to speak to you,” 


26 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


Peggy turned slowly, and waited for her stepmother 
to come up. But there was no sign of softening in her 
white face, and the older woman suppressed the words 
that hovered on the tip of her tongue, as she looked 
into the blazing dark eyes, and realized that at last, she 
had gone too far, and that the worm she had considered 
incapable of movement had turned completely around. 

Great heavens and earth, Mag Beverley, what^s got 
into you now?^^ she cried holding a plump hand over 
the place she supposed her heart to be, and panting 
heavily, in a manner she considered highly interesting. 

^^With my nerves, I wonder I live at all. CanT you 
take a little motherly talk, child. You know my every 
thought is for your^s and Amy^s welfare, and I beg you 
will try to control your temper and not have tantrums 
when there is no earthly reason for them. As for plant- 
ing, well, it^s about the only thing you can do with the 
places, I suppose, but I am not willing to go deeply into 
debt, and indeed, I shouldn't think it would be neces- 
sary, as the seed rice was saved from the last crop, and 
everything is in tolerable order to start work. And you 
must remember,^^ she added, warming to her theme 
as she saw Peggy no longer showed fight. You must 
remember that very little money will be needed, so don’t 
make extravagant arrangements with the factor before- 
hand; indeed I think I’ll write to him myself 

^^No, don’t, please,” interrupted Peggy. Unless I 
have a free hand I won’t do a thing about it. If you 
write to the factor and undermine my authority, why, 
you can plant the places yourself, and let Amy spend 
her summer in the saddle, under a broiling sun. If I 
risk my money, and throw my complexion away forever, 
I will at least do it my own way, and unless you promise, 
I won’t say another word on the subject. You may 
engineer the business for yourself.” 

^^As usual, you are giving me the credit for every- 
thing vile, and climbing up on a pinnacle for admiration 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


27 


yourself/^ fretted Mrs. Beverley. ^^ Dear me, if you 
donT have your own way, then I never saw anyone who 
had, and as for dear Amy riding about like a gypsy, and 
getting freckled and burnt to a crisp, she is too domestic 
and retiring to do a man^s work, and hold a firm hand 
over a horde of negroes. You may turn planter if you 
choose, but little Dieudonnee stays at home with her 
mother.’^ 

Well, I donT turn planter because I like the work,” 
replied Peggy, with a sigh. ^^And I will sell the 
plantations before the next crop, if I have to fairly give 
them away — ^that is, my half of them — but for this year, 
I can see no chance unless I put my shoulder to. the 
wheel, and Fll do my best. But I give you warning, 
^Te Lulu, here and now, if you’re not satisfied you may 
keep silent, but there must be not one word of censure. 
So now we understand each other, and I’ll go write to 
the factor.” 

Without waiting for further argument, Peggy ran 
lightly up the steps, and into the library where she wrote 
and sealed her letter, and taking it in her hand while 
she went to change her gown, was soon on her way down 
the path, bordering the white sandy road, which led to 
the post-office. 

Standing by the door of the general shop, which added 
to its attractions by being post-office as well, stood a 
strong, iron-gray horse harnessed to a roomy, old- 
fashioned buggy, which Peggy gladly recognized as be- 
longing to Dr. Martineau, her godfather, and the life- 
time friend of her family. 

Well met. Pretty Peggy 0,” he called from the back 
of the store, as the little clanging bell over the door 
announced her entrance. Are you as usual, the busiest 
person in the world, or have you time for a drive with 
your hereditary lover?” 

^^All the time there is,” replied the girl gaily, her 
spirits rising, as they always did, when with someone 


28 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


on whose affection she could involuntarily count. Are 
you going far? For ^Te Lulu thinks I am only coming 
here, and she might be worried. Wait, there goes 
Stratagem, Pll send word?^^ 

Stratagem,” she called from the open door, tell 
Miss Lulu when you go home, please, that Pve gone to 
drive with Dr. Martineau, and that I may be late, so 
she^s not to worry, hear? Thank you.” 

And as Stratagem, with a scraping of the foot, a 
pulling of the forelock, and a grin which seemed to raise 
the top of his head like a lid, strolled off with the 
message, Peggy jumped lightly into the buggy, and 
sat, beaming on the old man as he tucked his purchases 
into the space beneath the seat, unfastened the reins, and 
climbed into his place beside her. 

Now, I have got you to myself for once,” he said 
happily, patting the little mittened hand next to him, 
and thinking as he looked at her that she was the most 
beautiful woman in the world. Surely there could be no 
other with such a wealth of red gold hair, eyes of such 
dark gray that they looked black, but which held no hint 
of brown in their shadowed depths, a skin white as a 
privet flower, and scarlet lips so exquisite in their proud 
moulding. No one but her mother, he thought, had ever 
moved with that peculiar grace, or held her head with 
such a sweet pride of carriage. And the fond old man, 
who loved the girl went back in memory to that other 
Margaret so like this one, except in the rich Beverley 
coloring, and so dear to him, even yet. 

You arenT polite to stare so, LTncle Doctor,” she 
laughed, as she bent her charming face close to his. If 
there is a smut on my nose, break it to me gently, and 
V\l remove it with your handkerchief, but if there isn^t, 
youVe no excuse for your ill manners. Honestly, is 
there anything wrong ? ” 

You will never And a man to say so,” he replied 
fondly. No, Fve kidnapped you for a long talk. I 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


29 


never see yon alone when I go to yonr house, for Mrs. 
Beverley has a new symptom every time she sees my 
attention wander, and besides my personal interest in 
the child of your porents, I am your sponsor in baptism, 
and have sworn to see that you travel in the correct path. 
Now what^s this I hear about you turning planter, and 
attempting to struggle single handed with a crop of 
rice? Of all the idiotic proceedings I ever heard of, 
this leads. It isnT true, is it Peggy? Not really, only 
threatening, perhaps ? 

No, it’s true truth,” replied Peggy gravely. Don’t 
ttiink I want to do it. You know I am a lazy little 
beast, when I can afford to be, but it is like this; we 
can’t rent, we can’t sell, and we can’t let the fields lie 
idle. I’ll be very careful. Unc’ Israel knows a lot about 
planting, and he will have practical charge. I’ll only 
be the court of last resort, and the paymaster,” she added 
with a laugh. You see. Uncle Doctor, there is no one 
but me to take hold of things. ’Te Lulu can’t, and Amy 
is too young. Trust me to try to do my best, anyhow, 
won’t you ? ” 

There was a long silence, and the old gray horse had 
jogged nearly a mile along the road before Dr. Martineau 
answered ; then he said suddenly, Peggy what do you 
know about your father’s second marriage ? ” 

He turned his kind, spectacled eyes on her and read 
his answer in the cruel blush which spread from her 
throat to the soft curls of red gold hair which framed 
her face. 

That’s all ri^t,” he went on, you needn’t say a 
word. I’m glad you know. Your father promised me 
he would not leave you in ignorance, but I was afraid 
he might have put it off too long. Now, my child, I 
love you better than anyone in the world, as I loved your 
mother before you, and I want to help you. I have 
several propositions. Here’s the first. Why shouldn’t 
you cut loose from that fiabby vampire, who sucked your 


30 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


fathers life dry of comfort, and come live with me? 
1^11 adopt you for formas sake. Fve already left you 
every penny I possess. I did that years ago. There is 
no use telling you how happy it would make me to 
have you always around, Peggy, for if all these years 
havenT assured you of your place in your old Uncle’s 
heart, no mere words could make you understand my 
affection. You call me uncle, child, though we can’t 
even claim the far away kinship so general among 
Southern families, so the implied relationship could 
stand, and give a raison de’etre for your adoption. It 
isn’t the bond of blood which makes comrades, Peggy. 
For my part, I believe that few families would hang 
together if there had not been the propinquity of child- 
hood to start matters. Why, you seldom see two 
brothers such friends as your father and I were, and 
look at the friendships which have become classic 

La, la, la. Uncle Doctor,” laughed his listener. I 
don^t want to hear about David and Jonanthan, or any of 
those old ducks I saw marching by twos over the horizon. 
Besides, I never could stand David. If he hadn’t been 
successful in his little old fights, he would have gone 
down into oblivion with the rest of the ruck. Why, he 
was a wretch, Dockelly Darling, you don’t like him your- 
self, even if he was chums with Jonathan. I don’t be- 
lieve he would have been, though, if poor Johnny-boy 
hadn’t been a king’s son. And I don’t see anything he 
ever got out of the alliance, except a decent burial. 

And not content with all his perfidy in the matter 
of wives while he was youngish, look at the trouble that 
old mumbling mummy of a David brought on Abishag. 
One of these days, I’m going to write a book, and it’s 
going to be about all those poor women folk who have 
had to knuckle down to royalty and pretend they liked 
it. I’m going to call it fcn^s Victims, and I think 
I’ll let Abishag lead off, if I can find out enough about 
her to stretch into a chapter. That’s the worst of such 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


31 


heroines, tliey^re so vague. Vashti shall have a chapter 
too. I think I can find enough Assyrian background 
to show her up. She was Assyrianly backgrounded, 
wasnT she? And oh, there are lots of them to join the 
procession, which will start as far back as I can reach, 
and climb up to the tragedy of that poor queen who never 
got to be a queen, what was her name? The one who 
was married to George the Oneth, I think, and got into 
trouble with the man who disappeared, Konigsgratz, was 
that the name? or is it the name of a battle? Never 
mind, Ifil have it all arranged before I begin my weary 
search for a publisher, for Vll have 3"ou go over it and 
correct the spelling, and any other little things I may 
have got mixed up in my efforts to achieve fame, and, 
(I’ll only confess this to you) the lucre which fame can 
tempt into the pocket of the befamed. 

^^Now heart’s dearest, I’ve talked for a mile and a 
half, and I’ve never thanked you for your offer of a 
home. One reason why I plunged into such a sea of 
nonsense, was that I wanted to cry with thankfulness, 
for though I can’t accept your kindness, I appreciate it 
and it will warm my heart just to think of it, as long as 
I live.” 

^^Why can’t you come, Peggy dear?” asked the old 
man gently, as she turned her face to hide the tears 
she could not entirely repress. I don’t want you to go 
on as you are at present. Mrs. Beverley would upset the 
nerves of a marble statue, and you’re just a sweet, 
human girl child, and I want you to stay so. Sure you 
couldn’t manage it?” 

Uncle Doctor, I don’t know why I’m going on living 
with ’Te Lulu. Honestly, it isn’t because I want to,” 
said Peggy earnestly; ^^and in a letter father wrote 
just before he went — ^you know — and left in his desk 
for me, he advised me to persuade her to live on her 
cotton plantation in the up country — you know she’s got 
a little bit of a place above Augusta, and I’m ashamed 


3 ^ 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


to tell you that I lost my temper this morning and 
advised her to move, but she didnT take a bit of notice, 
and I donT believe I shall ever get sufficient strength of 
mind to repeat the performance; I wish with all my 
heart that sheM go, and Amy too, but if s an uncomfort- 
able feeling I have about Amy, which makes me leave 
things as they are. Please donT be prejudiced against 
the girl by what I say. Please, for if you knew the 
pleasure of talking things over with you, you^d not take 
it from me, and of course I canT speak from the very 
bottom of my heart, if I think I^m setting you against 
her; just keep your own opinion, but let me tell you 
about mine. I don^t know why I fear Amy is weak, but 
I do. She has never had any self-control ; and she frets 
so for gaiety, and the things money can buy. You 
know she has always looked down on my attainments, 
such as they are, because Daddy kept me at home, and 
taught me himself, while he sent her to that school in 
Virginia. You know Dockelly, but almost nobody else 
does, what wonderful luck it was to have been taught by 
a man like my father. His teaching, with a library like 
ours to help along, is quite enough for his daughter, and 
I bless him for giving me such advantages, and for 
keeping me at home — warm under his wing. 

0 Uncle, Uncle, I miss him so. No, wait. Pm not 
going to cry. He never liked me to cry, and I woift. 
I’ll just go on talking. Don’t mind my breaks. I’ll 
catch up with my strength presently. As I was about 
to say, Amy prides herself, and thinks herself far above 
me, because of those two years off at school, but I don’t 
believe they did her any good. I don’t know why, and 
maybe I’m just hateful and jealous, but I feel almost 
afraid to send her away with just ’Te Lulu.” 

^^But you must remember that she’s her mother, 
Peggy, and besides, what can you do? She wouldn’t 
listen to a word of warning. Do you think you have 
any influence over her ? ” asked the old doctor thought- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


33 


fully. IVe known her all her life, and from her first 
cry, Vye never known her do anything to please anyone 
except herself, and I fear, my child, if you think of 
giving up your youth to the moulding of a character like 
Amy^s, which can no more stand moulding than this 
soft dry sand beneath our wheels, then you are under- 
taking a task with no possibility of success, and for 
which no one will thank you. Amy least of all.’^ 

Yes, I tell myself that, all the time,^^ replied Peggy, 
slowly. But I have a sort of feeling about it. I can’t 
explain it, but I can feel, and don’t you think one ought 
to trust one’s feelings, when they are as strong as this 
one, even if one can’t understand them? 

But Uncle Doctor, I want to ask you a question, if 
you don’t mind answering. You say you knew Amy 
from her first cry. Does ’Te Lulu know that you know 
things weren’t just right before?” 

The old man laughed scornfully. Humph. Yes of 
course she does. To begin with, everybody suspected 
something deeper than a flirtation when the present Mrs. 
Beverley, who was then Miss Beverley, made a holy show 
of herself, and of her infatuation for that weak-kneed 
Englishman who spent the winter in Charleston, and 
when he had gone back ^Torth, she would smile coyly, 
and allow covert congratulations, and an announcement 
of the engagement was expected at any moment. Your 
father told me the whole story. It seems, when she 
realized she neeeded a protector, she wrote to the man, 
though her stacks of former letters had received only 
the most meager answers, all perfectly impersonal, and 
mostly postals and telegrams. Never a word to suggest 
a breach of promise. Oh, the fellow was clever enough. 
At any rate, when the frenzied appeals which pretty 
nearly broke the mailing record brought no answer at 
all, and she saw she had been betrayed, she sent down to 
Oglethorpe for your father. He was her one male 
relative, though she scarcely knew him by sight. But, 


34 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


being beyond all hope of secrecy, she told him the whole 
miserable story, insisting she had every reason to believe 
the man her devoted lover, who had proposed marriage 
a dozen times, although always verbally, and that she 
thought he had been detained by some strong influence 
working against his marriage with a woman of no 
fortune. She wound up by insisting upon your father 
taking the night train for New York, there to satisfy 
himself as to the state of affairs. 

If he found the man willing, he was to escort him 
(if necessary, in handcuffs) to his wedding, and if 
recalcitrant, to kill him without mercy. Oh, she was 
rabid, all right. Well, your father made a few inquiries 
around town before starting off after the fellow^s gore. 
But before he had time to return to his distracted cousin, 
which was in less than twenty-four hours after his first 
conversation with her, the blow had fallen. The 
announcement of the man^s wedding was delivered by 
the postman half an hour before your father arrived, 
but she was still in hysterics, and leaving a note to say 
he would return within the week, he came home. 

couldn^t help seeing something tragic had hap- 
pened, though the Lord knows I never thought of any- 
thing so horrible as the truth, but by dint of a few 
questions and the man^s sore need of a friend on whose 
secrecy he might rely, I finally mastered the facts, and 
then set myself to turn your father from the Quixotic 
idea he had hammered out as his duty, and which he 
held to in spite of all I could say or do. Why Peggy,^^ 
and Dr. Martineau^s voice sank to an awed whisper, I 
even offered to marry her myself. And I had seen her, 
too ! But Beverley was bull headed for sacrifice. What 
with nonsensical jargon about honor, and the old name, 
and betrayed affection, and what not, he finally keyed 
himself up to the place where, with some reservations, 
he could make her an offer. I went back to town with 
him. I pitied him far more then than I did when I 


35 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 

helped carry him to his grave, six weeks ago. It was 
not pity then. It was joy, — and freedom, and your 
mother, Peggy, but I tell you it took a strong man to do 
what he did that day seventeen years ago. Of course I 
didn^t go with him when he called on her, and told her 
what he was willing to do that the old name should 
remain untarnished in the eyes of men, hut I waited for 
him on the Battery, and when he left her house his face 
was that of a man who had looked in at the open door 
of Hell. Next day we got it over. We drove down to 
the Parsonage, and roused the Padre from his waffles. 
To this day I can^t smell waffles without seeing it all 
again, the smiling, though slightly puzzled clergyman, 
his wife and daughter, both in crimping pins and both 
restless with curiosity, acting as witnesses, the furious, 
sullen bride who looked like a thunder-storm frozen stiff, 
and then Beverley, with his grand head high, and a light 
on his face which raised him far above the rest of us; 
a look as Galahad might have worn, or, I say it with all 
reverence, Peggy, such as may have shown on the face 
of our Redeemer, when He gave His life for the love of 
humanity.^^ 

The old doctor pulled a huge handkerchief from his 
pocket, and used it with a great flourish of both linen 
and trumpets. He felt deeply upon the tragedy of his 
friend^s life, and was by no means ashamed of showing 
it, but he hated to trouble Peggy, so he went on in a 
lighter tone when he had cleared his throat of that 
troublesome huskiness. 

^^Well, we came down on the next train, and drove 
over from Eiceland Junction in a springless wagon we 
had hired from the station master. Your father had 
telegraphed Stratagem to meet him with the carriage, 
but we had been in Oglethorpe three days before the 
telegram arrived, showing that the facilites of the town 
were very much the same then as now. During the 
whole trip Mrs. Beverley never spoke, but if looks could 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


36 

kill, I think there would have been no one left to bury 
the dead along the whole coast from Brunswick to 
Charleston. Of course, once she got here she kept 
within doors, and was denied to visitors — a badly- 
sprained ankle is always a good excuse. And it was 
barely three months from the wedding day that I was 
hurried over in the dead of night, though the child 
that was born then was not spoken off for half a year. 
Maumer took care of you, and could not be kept 
ignorant, of course, but Mrs. Beverley had a nurse from 
the up country for herself and the child, who lived with 
her until she died; old Nana, do you remember her?” 

Just barely,” replied Peggy. She was little, and 
black and wrinkled, wasn’t she? I remember her 
mouth, though. It was so big that when she opened it, 
it looked (I don’t know why) as I used to think can- 
nibals looked, though she hadn’t a tooth in her head. 
But her tongue was so long and thick and red, and she 
used to stick it out and wag it at Amy when she was 
naughty. We were both terrified by the sight of it, 
though I can’t imagine now what I feared about it. 
I’m awfully obliged for all you have told me. Uncle 
Doctor. It makes me feel stronger if I have to have 
trouble with her to feel that I’m not the only one who 
knows how affairs stand. I was afraid that one day I 
might be tempted to tell her that I knew her story, 
and that she might demand proof, which I have in the 
letter Daddy left me, but a bit of paper is so easily 
destroyed, and if that should be the only record, why, 
she would have me on the hip, wouldn’t she ? Why hip, 
Uncle? That’s a quotation from something — not an 
anatomy book — ^but something tiresome and classic. But 
I always wondered why hip?” 

There are probaly several people who know the truth 
about your father’s second marriage, and a lot more who 
suspect it,” replied the old man ignoring her flippancy. 

But you have given me an idea, Peggy, and I’ll write 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


37 


out my story with names and dates and everything com- 
plete. 1^11 sign it before a notary too. Darn Devil/^ 
he cried mopping his head, Pll attend to that at once. 
It^s imperative. And if I don^t give it to you by Sun- 
day, just jog my memory, wonT you, honey sweet? 
Now we’ll be at Fairhaven in ten minutes, and I want 
to say just two things before I forget them. Pve a bad 
case at Fairhaven, and they might slip my mind after- 
wards. You know Pretty Peggy 0, Pm not so beggarly 
poor as a country doctor is supposed to be, and gen- 
erally is, poor devil, and I have a little money loose in 
bank which I’d like to get rid of for a while. I want 
you to take as much as you need from me, instead of 
getting all balled up with factors. I don’t like factors. 
Never did. You’ll do it, won’t you? ” 

You’re the kindest and best friend a forlomity ever 
had to temper her condition,” said Peggy gratefully. 

And I know all about the loose change that happens 
to be hampering your bank account. I’m on to you. 
Uncle Doctor, and that’s slang. I explain because I 
know you want me to think you never indulge in such 
expressive expressions yourself. Yes, dear heart, I’ll 
take it and say thank you from my very soul, for I don’t 
like factors, either. There is only one stipulation. 
You’ve got to let me pay the usual interest, and you 
have got to take a mortgage on the plantations, or a 
lien on the crop for your protection. I know you don’t 
want to, but it will make me feel easier. Of course I 
know that you know that I’ll pay up, but just for my 
pride’s sake, and to make me feel like a man of affairs, 
eh?” 

You’ve caught me, you monkey — ^you know I didn’t 
mean it that way, but let it stand, and now for secondly. 

You know honey, a woman child can’t go galloping 
about by her lone lorn self on these plantations where 
there are only negroes. That’s absolute. So if you 
must work Kingsgift this year would you object to a 


38 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


traveling companion? I thought I might explain mat- 
ters to old Jim WetheralL He^s a gentleman, and too 
badly crippled to do much to help himself, but he can 
shoot, and he knows when to do it, too. Not that he’d 
have to. The mere fact of his presence would keep you 
safe, but you must have someone, Peggy. Yes, I know 
you have made the trip alone once or twice lately, but 
mind your uncle, child, it isn’t safe in the long run, and 
by the way, the present long run is over, and we are 
here.” So saying the doctor stopped his horse, which 
showed no hesitation in obeying him, and handing the 
reins to his companion walked briskly up the bricked 
path to the cottage beyond. 

Peggy was glad of the quiet, and to be alone with 
her thoughts. Over and over she pondered the doctor’s 
story, and always with quickened love and honor for her 
father in her heart. The day was fine, and she enjoyed 
the outing, sitting quietly in the warm sun, and watch- 
ing the great cloud shadows chasing across the marsh on 
the wings of the sea breeze. Pairhaven was a village of 
more inhabitants, perhaps, than Oglethorpe, but en- 
tirely lacking in the flavor of aristocracy with which the 
latter was so permeated. 

The dwellers in Pairhaven were chiefly fishermen, who 
had a never failing source of revenue in the oyster can- 
nery which raised its malodorous piles or shells about 
two miles beyond the bend of the river, and where, 
though the pay was small, there was a steady market 
for one with suflBcient energy to row over to the oyster 
beds, and fill his boat with the bunched oysters which 
grew along the sides of the creeks. 

Peggy sat with her eyes fixed on the marsh, which 
bent and silvered under the wind’s touch, but she did 
not see it, and when the doctor joined her, she was 
startled for a second, having forgotten time and place 
and people in the intensity of her thoughts. 

The doctor tucked her in with the old buffalo robq 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


39 


which had grown bald in service, and mounted to the 
seat by her side without speaking. Peggy knew he was 
worried over the case he had just left, so, with a sympa- 
thetic pat on the arm as he joined her, kept silence also, 
until the gray horse, whose gait was a happy reminis- 
cence of youth, when his head pointed toward Ogle- 
thorpe, stopped of his own accord before the door of the 
doctor^s office. 

Gee up there. G^lang,^^ cried his master, roused to 
such vigor that he seized his whip and made sundry 
snapping sounds with it, under the delusion that he was 
being very firm in the matter of Bismarck’s training, 
and triumphantly bringing him up in the way he should 
go. G’lang there,” so the horse g’langed, and before 
he lost the excitement of the exercise, had been reined 
in with an impressive show of mastery, before the Bev- 
erleys’ door. 


40 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER III. 

Mrs. Beverley was worried. She felt the necessity 
of thought, but her brain, being nnaccustomed to con- 
centration, she found it difficult to keep her mind upon 
the subject that troubled her. Peggy^s outspoken sug- 
gestion that she should retire to the only home that she 
could call her own, roused her to sullen fury, and when 
she contrasted the two places, the one large, with stately 
pillared front, shaded by huge live oak and laurel trees, 
its formal garden, quaintly clipped hedges, and clouds 
of roses stretching to the edge of the bluff; with the 
dilapidated frame cottage in its little grove of sweet 
gum trees, and overlooking field after field of raw red 
clay, which every year raised a spindling crop of cotton 
in response to the working of a few shiftless negroes, she 
ground her teeth with rage, and vowed that nothing 
short of death should loose her hold on the estate she 
insisted should have been her own. According to law, 
the husband was the heir of the wife. Therefore Bev- 
erley should have owned the estate, not Peggy, and she 
naturally should be the heiress of her husband. Things 
would have been much better arranged had she taken 
the management into her own hands at first, but circum- 
stances — and without volition her slow mind traveled 
back to that day when Beverley stood before her, and 
told her that, for the sake of the old name, he would go 
through the form of marriage with her, but that his 
heart was forever filled with the memory of his wife, 
and that though he would protect her shame, he could 
offer her no affection, and that she and her child would 
live under his roof as his guests. 

She had been in no position to cavil at any arrange- 
ments he might choose to make, so, in bitterness of 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


41 


spirit she had gone through the ceremony which would 
cover the stain on a proud name, but which, despite the 
fact that it was hidden, she had smirched beyond 
cleansing. 

She remembered every incident of those first long 
years, although she never allowed her mind to dwell 
upon them if she could help it. She had determined to 
win the love of the man who had married her, even 
while she regarded him as a hesitating prig, who, if he 
had acted at once on her suggestions, might have se- 
cured for her a much better marriage with a man who, 
in spite of, or perhaps, because of, his treatment of her- 
self, she still regarded with that mixture of passion 
and vanity which she called love. 

But with all the strength of her body she desired to 
win Beverley from the memory of his dead wife, and she 
would pass hours in reviewing such scenes as her im- 
agination conjured before her mind^s eye; scenes in 
which Beverley plead for forgiveness and pity, dwelling 
in the language of her favorite literature upon her 
beauty and cruelty, and begging for such crumbs of her 
affection as she might vouchsafe to so unworthy a lover 
as the husband who adored her. 

And after several opportunities of showing Beverley^s 
humble devotion, and the absolute power gained by her 
beauty and nobility of character, all of which would be 
observed by Dr. Martineau, whom she hated viciously, 
but whose admiration she never ceased to covet, she 
would coyly allow the tips of her fingers to linger in the 
impassioned clasp of her husband^s hand, then after 
much byplay in which she always pictured herself as of 
unexampled attractiveness, she would yield, and there- 
after reign queen of the heart which had dared to think 
of any other woman. 

Her vanity was boundless. During the hours passed 
before the mirror, she never saw the small, deep-set 
eyes, thick pale mouth, showing sharp teeth set inward, 


42 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


the top being further to the front than the biting edge ; 
the long face, with such great cheeks that the features 
between them seemed bunched together; the mass of fine, 
straight red hair combed high above the narrow fore- 
head, and the folds of the thick throat which merged 
into the face with no visible chin to stop its encroach- 
ment. 

Instead, the face that looked back at her seemed all 
sweetness and light. How thick and long the hair, of 
the true Beverley shade, and eyes like sapphires in the 
sun. What a skin ! You seldom saw such roses in the 
South where the brighter tints are apt to fade under the 
burden and heat of a malarial climate. With a face so 
satisfactory to its owner, and a figure whose generous 
curves were always recollected to be those of beauty, 
and the white neck and arms, and the small, beautifully- 
shaped hands and feet, she felt her cup of satisfaction 
brimming. 

She never dreamed that Beverley would continue 
blind to such charms that might be his for the taking. 
To be sure, some little skittishness mush be allowed her, 
in order to give the zest of pursuit to the otherwise 
flavorless courtship wherewith a man takes possession 
of a wife he was too witless to appreciate when Fortune 
bestowed her upon him, and though she realized the 
truth after years of futile effort, she never gave up the 
hope of attracting his admiration while he lived, and 
now that the grave had closed between their lives, she 
felt no further from him than she had on that miserable 
day, when he had given her the protection of his empty 
hand, and driven comfort from his home by leading her 
into it. 

She knew, of course, that certain circumstances of 
which she never spoke, and seldom thought, were known 
to Dr. Martineau, but with that exception she had be- 
lieved herself safe, but now the idea which had tor- 
mented her since morning was, did Peggy know? For 
Beverley’s sake Dr. Martineau would keep silence, but 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


43 


how about that hateful little spitfire who had practically 
ordered her out of the house that morning? She had 
every right to do it. She was of age, and the house was 
hers. Mrs. Beverley clenched her little pointed teeth as 
she thought of the many disagreeable things she would 
gladly have happen to her step-daughter. She had al- 
ways detested her; had been jealous of the loving com- 
raderie between her and her father, of the girBs beauty, 
which so far eclipsed that of her own daughter, and of 
the few possessions which were Peggy^s inheritance, 
coming, with her name, from her mother^s mother. All 
day she had wondered if Peggy knew her story. She 
felt small shame when the few, straight-laced, old ladies 
who dragged out their drab existence in Oglethorpe 
referred to her as A woman with a past.^^ To have had 
a past argued beauty, and wit, and diablerie, all attri- 
butes greatly to be desired by such as Mrs. Beverley, but 
she had no wish to take her step-daughter into her con- 
fidence. With the slow fury which had filled her ever 
since Peggy^s explosion in the garden, she determined 
to find out, and also, to so arrange the family future 
that, no matter by what right Peggy clung to the po- 
sition of Mistress, the power which went with it should 
be her own.; and it would be strange if she could not in 
some way so undermine the girFs position that there 
need be no further clash. Matters would arrange them- 
selves, once started in the desired direction. 

Indeed, once having looked the situation in the face, 
and having gauged its possibilities, Mrs. Beverley felt 
in a surer position than when her husband^s unbending 
courtesy seemed to stand always between her and her 
will. His death had been a shock, and at first she had 
sorely missed the strong hand with which he had guided 
the life of his household. hTow, this was lifted ; and the 
wife he had ignored swore in her soul that she would 
obtain all the ease and pleasure possible for herself and 
her own daughter, at the expense of the child he had 


44 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


held as the apple of his eye. She would not go out of 
her way to injure Peggy, she thought, with an assump- 
tion of Christian charity for which she took great credit, 
but if she choose to block her way — well — that was her 
affair, and she must take her chance ; and this chance — 
trust Mrs. Beverley to see to that — should be small. 

Inexpressibly cheered by these thoughts and resolu- 
tions Mrs. Beverley condescended to dine down stairs, 
and finding Amy in a mood which matched her own, 
they received Peggy^s message without regret, and fin- 
ished their dinner in unwonted good comradeship. 

When Peggy returned, she went at once to her step- 
mothers room, that she might speak to her about the 
loan Dr. Martineau had offered to cover the expenses of 
planting the crop, but Mrs. Beverley was indulging in 
the siesta, beloved of her soul, and called fretfully 
through the door that the wild project of playing 
planter, and trying to work the rice fields, was Peggy’s 
own, and therefore Peggy must take the risk and re- 
sponsibility ; she would be troubled by nothing of the 
sort, and she washed her hands of the entire matter. 

Peggy walked slowly from her stepmother’s door to 
her own, thinking deeply, then turning suddenly went 
back and called softly — ^^’Te Lulu? Are you awake? 
I only wanted to ask a question. Will you rent your 
half of the plantation ? ” Gladly,” returned the sleepy 
voice inside, ^^but it’s not necessary to talk about it 
now, is it? Can’t you wait? I declare, Mag Beverley, 
you’re a selfish piece, if there ever was one. What ? ” 

I only asked the price, ’Te Lulu. Would you rent 
your half for five hundred dollars ? I’ve got to have the 
papers made out, you know, and all that. Would you 
take less than five ? ” 

^^Yes, I’ll take three, and be glad to get it. Now 
go/' And Peggy went, but not to her room. She ran 
down the stairs and out through the great tangled 
garden at the back of the house, to where the gate led 
into the sandy street beyond. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


45 


She walked quickly back to Dr. Martineau^s office, and 
seeing no one there, went through the garden to his 
house, tucked away in the back of the big lot, and 
screened by great camellia and sweet olea bushes from 
the road. 

As she raised the heavy knocker, the doctor himself 
opened the door, napkin in hand. I saw you through 
the window. Come in Peggy child. I can never get 
enough of a good thing, and the more I see of a certain 
young woman, whose fine qualities are probably due to 
the fact that I am her Sponsor in Baptism, the more I 
want to see. Come in. I know you haven’t had a bite 
to eat — now have you ? ” 

No,” replied Peggy laughing, and throwing off her 
jacket and hat, as she followed the old man into the 
dining-room. ^‘1 certainly meant to, but I forgot. 
You see, I had an idea, and they aren’t plentiful enough 
with me to keep the matter secret. Yes, please, white 
meat, and just a tiny bit of gravy on my rice. Thanks. 
I am hungry. I didn’t realize it. Well, as I was say- 
ing, I ran up to ’Te Lulu’s room to tell her that you 
had offered to finance the crop. I was so excited about 
it that I had to tell somebody — ^but she was lying down 
and wouldn’t listen. Says she refused to know or be 
responsible for my foolishness, and washed her hands of 
me generally and particularly, so I was going off in 
high dudgeon, when I had a thought. Don’t look so 
skeptical — ^honest — I thought a thought, and said I to 
my dear friend, Peggy Beverley. ^Why then don’t you 
reap all the reward? You take all the risk, do all the 
work, and will never get a hint of thanks if you suc- 
ceed. But if you fail — Poor Peggy ! ’ Thereupon 
Peggy said to me, — ^You are the friend of my soul, 
and your advice is always in accord with my own in- 
clination,’ so we returned to the step-maternal keyhole, 
and in our accustomed dulcet tones inquired whether 
she would rent her half of the plantation — and she 


46 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


said, ‘^yes/ She said it very loud and clear. If she 
hadn’t been bundled up on the couch, she would have 
come and shouted it in my ear, which is painful, but I 
continued in well doing, and warbled. I was so amiable 
I fairly warbled, I tell you, an inquiry as to price. She 
did not know what to say so snorted. Snorts can carry 
a lot of meaning sometimes, so I climbed down from 
generalities and stood firmly upon particulars. 

^ Would you take five hundred for your half ? ’ said I 
as meekly as a quaker lamb. ^Yes,’ said she, neither 
quakerish or lamblike, and she added — ^ Fd be glad to 
get three hundred.’ Now go on with your dinner, 
Dockelly, you can listen just as well while you’re eating, 
and you won’t be so panting to interrupt that way. 
Anyhow, I’ve almost reached a full stop. My idea is 
this — I have a tiny bit of money ’Te Lulu doesn’t know 
of. Daddy gave me some on my birthday, and I had a 
little before. In all, it’s a few dollars over seven hun- 
dred. I thought I might rent ’Te Lulu’s half with three 
hundred of it. Then the whole crop will be mine, to 
make or lose, or do what I choose with — and oh. 
Uncle Doctor, you can’t think what a difference that 
would mean to me. Not the money. I don’t mean that, 
though I do mean it too, but it would be so restful if 
things were arranged so that she wouldn’t have the 
right to inquire into the expenditure of every cent, and 
disagree with everything I do, and insist on her way, 
though she never even saw a standing rice crop. But 
she’ll never rent if she knows I’m the renter. Couldn’t 
we get the papers made out, and have her sign first, and 
'she’ll think when I sign afterwards that I’m only doing 
as she did. She can’t accuse me of underhandness, 
for I tried to tell her, and she simply wouldn’t let me. 
Now, what do you think? It’s your turn now. I’m ex- 
hausted and famished, so it’s your chance for that word 
that you are always trying to get in edgeways, with such 
unfortunate results.” 

Peggy laughed, but the old doctor looked at her 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


47 


gravely. Chick-a-biddy/^ he said quietly, give up 
this planting scheme. It^s not possible for you to carry 
it through. I can^t bear to think of you out in the burn- 
ing sun. What will you look like with all your pretty 
white roses covered with tan and freckles ? 

Don’t argue me out of it — that’s a good fellow. I’ll 
wear a veil, or a mask; anything you suggest. I’ll in- 
sure the roses, if you insist, but just this once let me 
plant — won’t you?” And Peggy slipped her arm 
around the old man’s neck, giving him a squeeze to em- 
phasize her importunity. 

Go your way — go your way, you bunch of unreason,” 
growled her old friend, patting the little hand on his 
shoulder. I’ve heard of folk who could charm a bird 
from a tree — and Darn Devil if I don’t believe you could 
do it.” 

^^Well, now all that’s settled, what about the legal 
part of the thing ? For if I don’t get her name on paper, 
’Te Lulu will back and fill and drive me distracted all 
summer — then in the fall, if I make money she’ll vow 
she never meant it, and that half of everything is hers. 
But if it ends in a fizzle, as rice crops have such a way 
of doing, she’ll claim her rent money, and leave me to 
bear the expense. ’Te Lulu mayn’t look like it, but if 
you’ll notice, she always comes out at the big end of the 
horn.” 

The old doctor grunted, and continued his absorbing 
occupation with an apple dumpling; he was thinking, 
and being a man, could not talk and think at the same 
time, so Peggy, who had declared dumpling too stodging 
for the afternoon, sipped her coffee while she glanced 
over the day-old newspaper, and waited patiently for 
the outcome of his cogitation. 

As she looked up and down the pages in languid pur- 
suit of something more interesting than politics or the 
latest suicide, her eye caught a paragraph which aroused 
her attention. 

Look Dockelly,” she cried. Here’s something you 


48 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


ought to know about. Maybe if s the beginning of the 
boom that old J ew storekeeper used to predict for Ogle- 
thorpe. Listen.^^ 

The papers have finally been made out, which trans- 
fers the old Hallam Estate, in the town of Oglethorpe, 
to Mr. Charles Striker Worthington, whose name is so 
well known in social circles, and whose home in the 
vicinity of ‘New York is considered one of the most 
magnificent in this country. The estate just acquired by 
Mr. Worthington comprises about four hundred acres, 
and lies along the Chatawanee River, immediately above 
the beautiful village of Oglethorpe, and the mansion 
which faces the river from the edge of a high bluff, is 
one of the oldest and most beautiful in the state, having 
been built in Anti-Colonial days by Sir Charles Hallam 
as a country seat to which he might retire when his ardu- 
ous duties as Governor allowed him the relaxation of 
private life. We understand that Mr. Worthington^s 
purchase includes the contents of the house also, and 
that he will leave everything undisturbed. After the 
necessary repairs, etc., are finished, he will make Para- 
dise his winter home, a mild climate having been pre- 
scribed for Mrs. Worthington, who is somewhat of an 
invalid.^^ 

Now, isn’t that a whoop for Oglethorpe ? And we 
are called both town and village, so we may take our 
choice. It ought to be cakes and ale for you. Uncle 
Doctor. A ready-made patient, and rich at that. What 
luck for my little Unc’ Billy boy ! ” 

I tell you. Peg, it’s hard lines to own a conscience 
when you can send bills to somebody able to pay ’em,” 
said the doctor, rumpling his long gray hair, and look- 
ing at her over the rims of his glasses in comical per- 
plexity. ^^Do you remember when your father told 
Washington about the new hotel they were putting up 
over at the island, and rather dwelt on the menu which 
would be an everyday affair for such as could afford to 
stay there? Washington took it all in with dripping 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


49 


enthusiasm, and when yonr father finished, said, ^ Do 
Boss. If I could jis^ been a^ git my appetite inside dat 
hotel one time, dey sho^ would a been a drap in the 
vittles question. Yes sir. Yes, Mas^ Beverley, my 
appetite’s, got he aidge yit, case he ain’t never had noth- 
in’ for wear um down, like the folks is wha’ lives in 
dem kind of a place.’ Now, that’s just the way I feel 
about a rich patient, Peggy 0 ; but when the time comes, 
I find that I stick to my schedule, like the doddering old 
sawbones that I am.” 

You’re a clean-handed Christian gentleman — that’s 
what you are,” said Peggy fondly, and if I had to make 
you over, I’d use the very same pattern. I don’t see 
a single fault in it.” 

Darn Devil, but we’re a mutual admiration society, 
aren’t we?” cried the doctor, jumping up and stuffing 
the paper into one of his capacious pockets, all the while 
beaming upon the little maid whose compliment had so 
touched his fond, old heart. 

Well, Peggy darling, I’ve got to go. I’m going back 
to poor Sam Whaley’s baby. There’s not much hope, 
Fm afraid, but I’ll keep trying as long as the Lord gives 
me a chance. No, little one. You can’t do anything. 
Do you think I’d keep the pleasure, yes, and honor, of 
helping from you, if I thought there was anything you 
could do?” 

No, I suppose I couldn’t,” said Peggy slowly, 
though I’ll walk up there this evening, and just ask, 
I think — ^but I won’t detain you for a second now. 
Why didn’t you tell me you were needed ? ” 

I wouldn’t have gone till now, anyhow,” he replied. 
I told her I’d be there about four. Now, don’t worry 
about the plantations. I’ll get the papers, and bring 
them over on Saturday afternoon, and I’ll get Halloran 
to come along — he’s a notary, and we’ll make it all ship- 
shape. Shall I drive you home? No? Then fare-thee- 
well. Pretty Peggy 0. I’ve had a happy day, thanks 
to the daughter of my heart, and my adoption. G’bye.” 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


SO 


CHAPTER IV. 

Winter merged into summer, with little of that de- 
lightful intermediate season called spring. As is usual 
in the South, the first w'arm days started such vegeta- 
tion as indulged in a leafless nap, and being vouchsafed 
a week of sunshine took on their full grown effulgence, 
and covered the land with the glow of summer. 

For Peggy the weather was too progressive. She had 
worked hard and well, and the fields showed the effect of 
intelligent cultivation; but rice is a moon-struck crop, 
and has to be handled on certain tides, so she studied the 
almanac with fidelity, and generally found the water 
obedient to her will. There had been seed saved for a 
larger acreage than she found it possible to plant, for 
she had started late, and had had the numberless small 
trials which always fall to the share of one new at the 
game. 

Not that the negroes tried her unduly, but she was 
young. They had known her always as little Missy; 
and when she appeared amongst them in her fathers 
place, they naturally tried to see how far their Fabian 
tactics would be allowed. 

To their astonishment, they were quietly checkmated, 
and, after the first few days of happy lounging, found 
themselves back in their old ways, with a hand on the 
lines as firm as had been her father^s and a quiet man- 
ner of giving orders which not one dared to question. 

But while matters moved smoothly on plantation, 
Peggy found that by attempting a man^s work, she had 
been severely criticized in Oglethorpe. As Miss Lavinia 
Sweeny said to her cousin. Miss Lavinia Davidson: 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


51 

To think that Meggie Maturings daughter would come 
to this ! 

And as Miss Lavinia Davidson said to Miss Lavinia 
Sweeny : It makes me blush to think of it. It must 

be that wild Beverley blood. You know what they're 
capable of.^^ And the ladies would shake the ringlets 
which fell on either side of the fine, faded old faces, and 
sigh audibly at the downfall of Meggie Maturings child. 

There was so much gossip of a hushed sort, that even 
Mrs. Beverley was sought, and in a roundabout way, 
questioned. She had never before had any social dis- 
tinction in Oglethorpe ; the long seclusion, and the cloud 
under which she had appeared there, having begun a 
reserve which Captain Beverley was glad to have con- 
tinue. But the prickings of a half-starved curiosity 
could not be restrained, and Mrs. Beverley was greatly 
pleased by being called upon by many neighbors, and 
by being able to assure them that she had done what she 
could to repress the girl’s wild actions, but that neither 
she nor anyone could turn her, once she was set upon a 
project. 

Why,” complained Mrs. Beverley, enjoying herself 
hugely in showing Peggy’s ill-natured and unbalanced 
character to an audience who showed no special in- 
clination to speak in her defense — ^HVhy, she’s off be- 
fore daybreak at least three times a week, and did you 
ever see the sort of things she wears? She has a hand- 
some habit. I saw to it that she had a really good one 
when she rode so much with her poor father last fall, 
but do you think she wears it? Not she. She says it’s 
too heavy, mind you, and I nearly fainted when I saw 
her coming in the other evening. Of course nobody’s 
awake when she goes except Stratagem who gets her 
horse, and Maumer who simply ruins her by petting, 
and who gets her breakfast for her by lamplight. Well, 
a week or two ago, I was sitting on the piazza with Dr. 
Draper and Mag rode up. Stratagem must have told 


52 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


her the clergyman was here, for she walked right out, 
and I give yon my word, I nearly screamed. There she 
was, in a huge pith helmet, a brown linen skirt, short, 
my dear, np to the tops of her brown boots, and a thin 
white waist, with one sleeve torn nearly ont, and hang- 
ing in shreds from her arm.^^ 

^^Dear me,^^ said the visitor, who plainly had little 
to say for fear of happening on the wrong thing. Dear 
me. Had she been in an accident ? 

Who, Mag Beverley ? asked her step-mother. ITo, 
no indeed, just that her horse slipped on the bank, and 
threw her into a lot of bushes. But she only laughed, 
and came out taking off her great gauntlets, just like a 
man’s, and shaking hands, and calling him Padre, as if 
she had been gowned by Worth, instead of torn to tatters, 
and covered with mud. I can’t understand Mag Bev- 
erley. She doesn’t seem to have any of the gentle- 
womanliness southern gentlewomen are supposed to be 
born with.” 

And Mrs. Beverley heaved a great sigh, which proved 
conclusively to her hearers, that she had given her life 
to the moulding of a thoroughly unlady-like person, and 
given it in vain. 

Yet when Peggy was with them there was not one 
dissenting voice as to her charm and beauty. To her 
stepmother she was always odious, but no matter how 
despairing had been the verdict of Oglethorpe society, 
there were only smiles and pleasant words to the girl 
herself. 

As Dr. Martineau had feared, the white roses in her 
cheeks were changed to pink ones, and her short, straight 
nose was decorated with at least a dozen tiny brown 
freckles before the summer ended, but in every other 
respect Peggy’s beauty had been only intensified by her 
long hours on horseback, her days spent entirely in the 
open, her early hours, simple meals, and the long salt 
water swim, which rounded out her day. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


S3 


In spite of Mrs. Beverley^s hints and sighs, public 
opinion was not long in veering to the side of Meggie 
Maturings daughter, and in so doing again placed her 
stepmother on that edge of social reco^ition upon 
which she had balanced ever since her arrival in Ogle- 
thorpe. For her husband^s sake open criticism had been 
hushed, but such stories are seldom buried too deep for 
resurrection, and there were many whispered comments 
upon the lady and her past, and much silent sympathy 
for Peggy. The girPs struggle with the plantations 
once explained by Dr. Martineau, was, if not approved, 
yet considered a noble effort for the family good, and 
as Miss Lavinia Sweeny said to Miss Lavinia Davidson : 
^‘the only fault I have to find in the matter is that 
Peggy^s not a boy. Me, me! What a difference sex 
does make ! 

And although social Oglethorpe was not knowingly 
humorous, jokes being considered more or less vulgar 
by the serene old ladies who comprised that fraction of 
four hundred which formed the pinnacle of its society, 
there was always a ripple of amusement when Mrs. 
Beverley referred to her daughter by the name of 

Dieudonnee.^^ 

When the time came to have the child baptized. Cap- 
tain Beverley had been horrified by his wife^s decision to 
call her baby by this name, and had forbidden it with a 
vigor which had been neither forgotten nor forgiven. 

Dr. Martineau had laughed, and had said many things 
about the lady^s hitherto latent sense of humor, but to 
his friend there was nothing in the situation to cause 
a smile. He gained his point, as he always did, and the 
baby was entered in the Church registry as Amelia 
Rutherford, as had been her mother^s mother before 
her. But although the victory was gained, Mrs. Bev- 
erley managed to make it without avail, by always using 
the name of her choice when out of her husband^s hear- 
ing. 


54 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


But Mrs. Beverley was entirely unaware of any un- 
complimentary criticism, and Amy knowing no reason 
for it, was also blind to the situation. 

Indeed, after the first weeks when curiosity led Ogle- 
thorpe to question Peggy^s unseemly behavior, and to 
visit her stepmother in order to gain understanding, 
there were few callers to smile covertly at the recital of 
Dieudonnee’s perfections, and Mrs. Beverley sank back 
into her accustomed life, seldom meeting her neighbors 
except at church, and telling herself that she would not 
be paid to associate with such tiresome and old-fashioned 
people as the residents of Oglethorpe. 

As for Peggy, she was absorbed in her work, and the 
crop promised well. She had decided she would never 
speak of the plantation when at home, except in answer 
to a question, and so far, no one had cared enough to 
ask, except Dr. Martineau, and old Maumer, who still 
loved and cared for the girl as she had from the day 
when she was laid in her arms, a tiny breath of life, 
motherless from her first cry. 

The summer had passed quickly, as time does to 
those who are fully occupied, and whose occupation is 
congenial. 

Amy had spent two months with a school friend, 
whose home was in an inland town where heat and mos- 
quitoes made the narrow brick house anything but com- 
fortable, but where she professed herself happier than 
in her home in Oglethorpe, where the great rooms were 
filled with the perfume of the blooming garden, and 
kept cool by the breeze from the sea. 

Amy never wearied in telling the delights to be found 
in roof gardens, and the attentions paid her by the 
young men of her friend^s acquaintance. Peggy was 
assured that, had she once tried city life, she would 
fall in with any plans whereby she might turn her back 
upon this most objectionable village, and she waxed 
eloquent in her description of entertainments which 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


55 


would have left nothing to be desired, had her gowns but 
vied in number and richness with those of other 
girls/^ 

Oh, Mamma,^^ she cried one evening when she had 
been quite two weeks at home, and the recollection of 
the gayety she had left was even more rose colored than 
had been the actual experience, Oh, Mamma, Pm rust- 
ing out in this horrible place, and what’s more, you’re 
doing the same thing. I know I’m called only seventeen, 
but I’m mighty near eighteen, and it’s time I saw 
something of the world. And look at you. I don’t 
know your age, for you’ve always been so secretive about 
it, but I’m certain of one thing, you are not growing 
younger, and if you are to utilize your looks — forgive 
me if I seem rude, I don’t mean to be. I’m only in 
terrible earnest — but if you’re ever to utilize your looks, 
you’ve got to start out.” 

Mrs. Beverley regarded her daughter with a look of 
sullen dislike. She did not approve of criticism, when 
applied to herself, nor did she care to hear that her age 
precluded additional beauty. She knew that already, 
therefore it was not necessary to dwell upon the thought, 
and particularly disagreeable of Amy to give expression 
to it. 

You may leave both my age and my appearance out 
of the question,” she said coldly. ^^Neitlxer of them 
concern you, and I consider all such conversation most 
undignified and unladylike.” 

Moses,” cried Amy, aghast at the temper she 
had so thoughtlessly aroused. Why, Mamma, I didn’t 
mean to be rude. I said so. I only wanted to press my 
views with every piece of backing I could think of. 
Forgive me, won’t you? My remarks were really com- 
plimentary, if you look at them in the right light, for I 
was struggling to say, that such good looks can’t last 
forever, and I, for my part, want to get the best out of 
life, for the price I have to offer. I thought you did too. 
I see I was mistaken.” 


56 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


you meant to be complimentary, you certainly 
went about it oddly/^ replied her mother, by no means 
mollified by the apology. Do you mean to tell me that 
you expect me to marry again? Or is it your own 
matrimonial prospects Pm to further by preserving my 
looks? Do you think that sort of thing is necessary in 
a mother-in-law ? 

ifow. Mamma, if you sneer and act like two sticks, 
ril have to shut up,” said Amy, who, having a point to 
gain could be both patient and politic. Please don^t 
misunderstand me, but what I have been thinking is 
just this. One might be as radiant as the sun, but if 
one lived in Oglethorpe, one^s beauty would never count, 
for nobody cares whether the women think you good 
looking, and the entire population of Oglethorpe is com- 
prised of women and Dr. Martineau. Some of the 
women are widows, and some are old maids, but iPs all 
the same to the others. Yes, I forgot. There^s Dr. 
Draper too. But, he is even more old maidish than the 
other spinsters, and besides, he has a wife who^s another 
old maid, and Cissy, and she^s the third one. Deliver 
me ! ” 

Dieudonnee Beverley. Are you speaking of an or- 
dained priest of the Episcopal church? ” thundered Mrs. 
Beverley, scarlet with anger. ‘^^Pirst you insult your 
mother. Then your Spiritual Guide. I shudder to 
think what you may have in reserve,” and Mrs. Beverley 
shuddered. 

0 Mamma,” cried Amy, almost in tears, Pm not 
saying wrong, or even thinking it. I do believe you^d 
find something to scold me for if I confine my conver- 
sation entirely to a repetition of the Ten Command- 
ments. Now please, just let me explain. I was trying 
to say that you^re a mighty handsome woman, and that 
I^m a mighty handsome girl. I’d temper this last re- 
mark, but I haven’t time. I must get on, or you’ll think 
something else dreadful. Now, what good does our 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


57 


handsomeness do ns, when there are no men to see? 
Maybe you don^t want to marry again, very likely not, 
but if you had an offer from somebody with a fortune a 
year, wouldnT you sacrifice your inclination and marry 
him? As for myself, I tell you frankly, Pd marry an 
idiotic leper if he had a millian dollars under a cast- 
iron promise to leave me when he died. ThaPs all I 
meant; and over and above, and joined on to that Pll 
add, that you can’t get either of these creatures in Ogle- 
thorpe.” 

Mrs. Beverley was silent. She had much the same am- 
bition, but hers was not the character to say so openly, 
even to her daughter, so for the moment she closed the 
conversation by remarking coldly, that while it was well 
enough to talk of leaving Oglethorpe, she for her part 
did not know where the means for such a change would 
come from, and advising Amy to be contented with her 
lot, sailed out of the room with her head held high in 
the attitude she considered most fetching, having her 
thoughts entirely on the still uncaught millionaire, and 
acting unconsciously in the manner she hoped he would 
some day have the chance to admire. 

But the conversation, turbulent as it had been, was 
remembered by both mother and daughter ; and each in 
her own way bent her mind to the accomplishment of 
some project which would bring them enough money to 
gain an audience ; an audience, it was to be hoped, with 
a bank account worthy of their acceptance. 


58 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


CHAPTER V. 

Tub village of Oglethorpe felt its need of the outside 
world entirely satisfied by the delivery of one mail a 
day. The delivery was made through a small wooden 
pigeon-hole on the back counter of Halloran^s store, 
and the clerk who held in charge the entire correspond- 
ence of the community, attended to it during intervals' 
of leisure, and when not occupied with other duties of a 
commercial and more lucrative character. 

Such mail as was addressed to Oglethorpe was de- 
livered by the railroad which stopped for water at Eice- 
land Junction, and was called for, during the course of 
the morning by a tow-headed boy, who^s brain, having 
refused to keep up with the growth of his body, was 
therefore considered a person specially provided by 
Providence for the position of mail-carrier. 

He journeyed in a worn-out cart, which had at one 
time been painted a lively pea-green, but years of ex- 
posure to the untempered sun of summer had removed 
all vestiges of artistic work except in places protected 
by some sheltering bit of wood where it still glowed in 
dull but pronounced color. 

The motive power of the outfit was a raw-boned, white 
horse, with a gait between a kick and a shufile, but ten- 
derly regarded by his driver, who indeed was entirely 
contented by the turnout, and happy beyond expression 
in the pride of his position and the income he derived 
from it. 

He would leave Oglethorpe after a breakfast served at 
dawn no matter at what hour the sun chose to rise, so 
that his winter trips were always late, and the mail due 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


59 


before he had secured the bag from the agent at the 
junction. But time never bothered Oglethorpe, and the 
mail was seldom delivered until the day after its ar- 
rival. 

For ten months in the year Peggy was as entirely un- 
interested in news from the outside world as any of her 
neighbors, but as the season approached when the West 
Indian cyclones which so devastate the Southern coast 
might be expected, she fretted for a weather report of 
greater reliability than when two days^ old. 

If it would come now,^^ she said one night, when she 
had returned late, and was sitting on the kitchen table 
eating some chicken and rice cake which Maumer had 
saved for her, I could stand it, for the rice is still in 
the harvest water, and it would be safer now than at 
any other time. And it^s coming — ^I feel it in my bones. 
I am only fretting to know when; and with the mail 
holding the schedule of a lively snail, I am apt to be 
swept off the face of the earth before I hear I am in 
danger.^^ 

^^Don^ you min^, honey chilV^ comforted the old 
nurse. You jes^ git yo^ beauty sleep an’ cease from 
troublin’. De Lord ain’ gwine let none er dese here 
Beb’lys git hu’t by none o’ He all sendin’. ’Tain’t in 
reason. Missy. Ain’t you been always been tek care ob ? 
Youse tired. ’Tain’t no wuk for white ’omans, no- 
how.” And Maumer grumbled at the fact of her nurs- 
ling’s need to bear a burden never before shouldered by 
any woman in the family she held sacred. 

Peggy jumped from her perch, and squeezed the old 
darke3^s arm as she passed her. You’re right, Maumer 
dear. You’ve done me good. I was a thankless beast 
to worry. Oh, Maum’ Chloe, you’re the kindest and 
best. What would I do without you ? And confess now, 
you like me as much as you do Spoils, don’t you ? Don’t 
you love me like your very ownest own ? ” And the girl 
laid her head for a moment on the breast which had 


6o 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


comforted her baby body, and within which beat a heart 
which she knew held her the dearest thing on earth. 

Peggy ran across the yard, and up the high steps to 
the piazza. She knew by the lights in the windows 
that Mrs. Beverley and Amy had retired, and she was 
weary with hard riding, and longing for her bed. But 
there was a sound in the wind that made her pause, 
then walking slowly through the house and out of the 
front door, she went down to the very edge of the bluff 
where, at a break in the trees which shaded it, she could 
see the sky from zenith to horizon. 

How peaceful it was. How wonderful in the still- 
ness, when the listening ear could almost catch the 
sound of nature^s breathing. 

Peggy sat down on the top of the old, moss-grown, 
cement stairs which led from the bluff to the bath 
houses on the beach beneath. 

The lapping of the water as it crept higher on the in- 
coming tide sounded cool and soothing, and she was 
about to call Maumer who never allowed her to take a 
plunge into the river at night without the protection of 
her presence, when her eye was caught by a soft, ragged, 
black cloud, like a shred of chiffon, so small and thin 
that only an attentive eye could observe its flight across 
the sky. But this flight was what startled Peggy and 
brought her lounging figure upright, for, while there 
was very little wind, the weak air scarcely ruffling the 
placid surface of the water, what little there was, blew 
from directly across the river, while the small ragged 
cloud was scudding at almost right angles with the 
breeze, and with a speed which showed the violence of 
the upper strata of air. 

When she first looked, there had been but one ragged, 
wind-blown cloud in sight, but as if they had only needed 
a leader, there were soon dozens overhead, now torn to 
tatters, now re-forming in long, thin veils, but always 
showing the power and speed which propelled them. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


6i 


ITow Peggy understood the meaning of that sound in 
the wind, though the wind did not seem strong enough 
to carry it. The storm was coming, and she was help- 
less. 

If the banks held, she might save a part of the crop, 
but whatever happened, it was now out of her hands; 
and with a sudden access of weariness, she dragged her- 
self back to the house, and slipping the bolts of the great 
door into place, tiptoed up stairs without disturbing 
either Mrs. Beverley or Amy. 

In spite of her fatigue, Peggy could not sleep. Her 
mind reverted constantly to the plantation, stopping to 
consider certain weak spots in the river-bank, and going 
over the fields one by one, to see if, by chance, anything 
had been overlooked. 

Her neighbors on both sides had cut much of their 
rice. Some had been hauled up to the barn, but the 
greater part of the crop was stacked in the fields, and 
therefore in danger, should the banks break, of being 
fioated out to sea. Her own situation was as safe, so 
far as the cyclone could affect it, as she could have 
wished, for she had been so late in planting, that her 
crop was not yet ready for the sickle, and she had been 
worried lest the cooler weather would prevent the ripen- 
ing of the grain. 

Now that she realized that a storm was not only 
threatening, but had actually developed, and that its 
vanguard of clouds was already to be seen in full flight 
across the sky, she could only thank God for the acci- 
dent which had kept her rice uncut, and pray that the 
coming cyclone might pass without damage. 

Peggy spent most of the night in listening to the 
wind, and staring from the window at the increasing 
cloudiness, and when she finally laid down, it was with 
no thought of sleep. But she was young, and had passed 
most of the day in the saddle, so before she realized she 
was drowsy, she had lost herself and her troubles in a 
dreamless slumber. 


62 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


On Sunday morning breakfast was always a belated 
meal at the Beverleys, therefore when Peggy was roused 
at the sound of the bell, she could scarcely believe that 
she had slept through the late hours of the night, when 
she had been so sure anxiety would keep her eyes wide 
open, and she looked at the little clock on her dressing- 
table, then got up and shook it, to make certain that it 
had not stopped the evening before. 

From the scene without it might have been almost 
any hour of the twenty-four. The sky was dark gray, 
with ragged, black clouds flying across it, while the rain 
came in gusts, not falling down, but horizontally, and 
the trees writhed in the fury of the wind. 

But the wind did not blow continuously. There 
would come lulls when one not wise in the ways of 
cyclones might think the violence of the storm passed, 
then, from afar would come a sound — a humming sound, 
the sound of the wind moving on the face of the waters 
— which, increasing, would roar across the marsh like a 
herd of maddened bulls, and taking the old house in 
its flight, would shake and batter it, till, finding it too 
strong for wrecking, would go shrieking through the 
pine barrens beyond and leave a breathing space in 
which to gather strength for the next onslaught. 

All day the storm raged, uprooting giant trees which 
would neither bend nor break, and at times twisting 
the trunks fifteen feet from the ground, and tearing on 
the head as one would twist a flower from its stem. The 
church bell calling in vain for worshipers, sounded above 
the storm like the spirit of Melancholy, and the roar 
of the waves as they dashed their strength against the 
bluff, was like the ceaseless rolling of thunder. 

It was well for Oglethorpe that in the palmy days of 
its youth the owners of land along the river had fortified 
it against the encroachments of the waters by raising 
a sort of sea wall. The great slabs of stone brought 
South in sailing vessels as ballast, had been laid against 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


63 


the face of the bluff and held fast with cement, and so 
well had the work been done, that the gardens above still 
bloomed where they were planted by generations long 
gone, while at such spots as had been left unprotected, 
the undermining of the restless water had years before 
sent trees and earth out with the tide, and leveled the 
ground into a beach which still gave itself to the greed 
of the water. 

Peggy passed the day in troubled movement from one 
window to another, every little while braving the cy- 
clone from some sheltered position on one of the three 
piazzas, where, facing the wind, and stretching her right 
arm she could measure the movement of the storm 
center, and try to figure its probable point of entry 
from the sea. 

Neither Mrs. Beverley nor Amy were particularly 
interested in the results to be feared for the rice crop, 
or for any damage which might be done to the house 
they occupied. Mrs. Beverley, indeed, loudly com- 
mented on her own cleverness in securing a small but 
certain sum as rent, instead of tempting Providence by 
planting a risky crop on borrowed money, giving Peggy 
many reasons why she should never weary in following 
her stepmother^s advice, and adding suggestions for 
the future which she hoped might fall on such depression 
of spirit that they would be adopted before the natural 
buoyancy of youth prompted the continuance of ob- 
stinate self-will. 

About ten o^clock the wind ceased, and there fell a 
dead calm, though the surf still cannoned against the 
long sand-bar at the mouth of the river and the nearer 
waves which beat upon the beach seemed to increase in 
strength as the sound of the wind no longer distracted 
attention from their turbulence. 

Mrs. Beverley had announced her attention of going 
to bed, the weather, she complained, being enough to 
frazzle stronger nerves than hers into fiddle-strings, and 


64 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


she had reached the hall, when they were startled by a 
loud knock on the old brass knocker and without wait- 
ing for Treason, Amy ran to open it. Outside stood 
Dr. Martineau in streaming oilskins, and armed with 
a huge lantern which he turned low and deposited in a 
corner as he came in. 

Good-evening, Mrs. Beverley, how d^ye, chickabid- 
dies,^^ he cried passing an arm around each girl, after he 
had shaken hands with the elder lady. 

I couldn^t sleep until I knew you were all safe,^^ he 
said in apology for his untimely visit, for Oglethorpe was 
rigorous in the matter of hours, and only a kinsman, 
with some special reason for the act, was supposed to 
call after eight, or to stretch a point, half-past eight 
oclock. 

That’s just like you, Doekelly,” said Peggy, giving 
the hand she held against her shoulder a squeeze. You 
are always risking life and limb for some good-for-noth- 
ing person, who only takes it out in loving you for it. 
I’m talking about myself of course, and you, Amy. I’m 
not including ’Te Lulu, so please don’t anybody hop on 
me.” And seeing the others laugh, Mrs. Beverley, who 
had begun to bridle, laughed too, and they were leading 
their visitor into the library where a fire had been burn- 
ing all day just to take the edge off the weather,” as 
Peggy said, when Stratagem came through the back 
door, and with the usual pull of the forelock and scrape 
of the foot, asked if he might speak to the doctor. 

Certainly, nobody sick, I hope,” said Dr. Marti- 
neau, shall I come out there with you ? ” 

No sir, no Mas’ Billy, only I jest natchelly worry 
’bout a boat wha’ done run on the bar fo’ the wind stop. 
Yo’ know Mas’ Billy, dis storm ain’ ober, dis here’s the 
middle wha’ the winds blow ’round, like Mas’ Beb’ly 
done ’splain to we all, yes sah. An if we gwine out dere 
after dem, it’ll be easier now ’en when she busts out 
agin, ’case you nebber know which side she’s a cornin’ 
from. No sah, not one o’ dese here harrycanes.” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


6S 


^^Darn Devil. A ship on the bar? When did yon 
first see it? Why didnT you report before? Come 
along here, you lubber. Where can you get the best 
sight ? 

And Dr. Martineau, talking and struggling into his 
oilskins, catching up his lantern, and pushing Stratagem 
before him, and only stopping to beg the ladies to keep 
indoors, ran out into the night, his gray hair standing 
on end, as he always rumpled it in moments of excite- 
ment, and his yellow raincoat flattened out behind him 
from the speed of his effort to keep up with Stratagem. 

Once down on the bluff, where Peggy had first noticed 
the coming of the storm the night before, the doctor had 
no need of Stratagem^s pointing finger, for there, in 
plain sight, were the lights of a small vessel, and from 
their position, she was probably badly placed, for she 
had grounded with the tide banked up by the cyclone, 
and when things became normal, she would very likely 
be high and dry on the great sand-bank which trailed 
its hindrance to traffic across the mouth of the river. 

Oh, IJncle Doctor, do you think there^s any dan- 
ger ? asked Peggy, who had followed him with Amy, 
and who now stood close beside him, unaccountably 
frightened by the possibility of tragedy. 

As she spoke a rocket rose from the stranded ship, 
and in the sudden light they could see men clustered in 
the end of a small vessel, a yacht. Dr. Martineau 
thought, which was lying helplessly on its side, and 
beaten by the surf which roared across the bar. 

Come along, Strat, get two or three good men to 
help us. Is your boat here? Good. Wefil pull out 
from the point. There’s no landing-place this side of 
the cove, and Fm afraid it will be too full to get through 
with the bushes growing down to the very edge. Dam 
Devil, I told young Henry to cut them down. Here, 
Strat ? Can we launch from the steps here ? Bring ’em 
here then, and I’ll have the boat ready. Peggy, you and 


66 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Amy get the beds fixed — all you have, and tell Chloe to 
have lots of hot water, and build fires in two or three 
rooms, if they haven^t been used lately. Now hurry, 
for the wind will be on us like a fury denied before 
long.^^ 

And the warm-hearted doctor ran around waving his 
lantern, hunting rowlocks and oars, digging extra oil- 
skins from the locker in the bath-house, all the while 
talking as if speed of language could help in the work 
of rescue. 

Peggy ran half down the steps, and leaned over to 
touch his hair as he stood in the doorway of the bath- 
house. 

^^Dockelly darling, she said softly, beg you, if 
you love me or if you ever loved my father or mother, I 
just beg you to take care of yourself. I wouldn^t keep 
you back for the world, but remember, your life is worth 
more to me than the lives of a whole boat full of stran- 
gers. I can’t do without you, line’ Bllly-boy. You’ll 
be careful, won’t you? And kiss me please, and then 
I’ll go.” 

The old man drew the girl’s face down to him, and 
kissed her gravely on cheek and forehead. 

I’m glad you feel that way, Peggy, I wouldn’t miss 
the knowledge of it for the world, but don’t fret daugh- 
ter, I’ll come back safe and sound. Now run, dear. 
You’ll get soaked with this spray. God bless you. Peg, 
run along.” 

As the girls went up the path, they saw Stratagem 
with three or four men run through the side yard to 
the cove where the boat was drawn up, and a few mo- 
ments’ later the tiny light of the lantern could be seen 
as, with the doctor, they rowed out toward the imperiled 
vessel. As they reached the great white pillared piazza, 
the whole landscape was lighted up with the glare of 
another rocket, and as if in answer to the signal, the 
cyclone which had held its breath for nearly an hour. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


67 


while the storm center passed over them, broke out 
from the direction opposite the one whence it had blown 
before, and as if added fury had been gained by the in- 
terval of peace, raged across the water with the strength 
of a devil unchained. 

While Amy found Spoils, and began the arrangement 
of such guest-chambers as she and Peggy had decided 
would be necessary, Peggy went through the house and 
struggled across the yard to the kitchen beyond. She 
waited for the comparative calm between two gusts, and 
with the wind at her back, sped down the path and was 
literally blown in the door, bringing in with her a great 
roar of wind and rain which blew out the kerosene lamp, 
and made the fire on the hearth flicker into flameless 
coals. 

ITever mind, Maum^ Chloe, I haven^t time to talk. 
Listen,^^ she cried interrupting a list of her indiscre- 
tions which the old nurse always kept as a rod in pickle, 
but which she would never allow anyone else to even 
hint were in existence. 

Listen, Maumer, there^s a boat stranded on the bar. 
IPs a yacht. Dr. Martineau thinks, and they have been 
sending up sky rockets, which means that they are in 
trouble and want help. Stratagem saw them first, and 
came to tell us just as IJncle Doctor arrived to see how 
we were standing the storm. So Dncle Doctor sent 
Strat for some men to help, and they’ve all gone over to 
the boat, and he told us, Dncle Doctor did, to get you to 
have oodles of hot water ready, and we are to fix up beds 
and fires and things in the guest-chambers, so I just 
know he thinks somebody is awfully hurt or ill or some- 
thing, though dear knows how he knew it. And Mau- 
mer, don’t you think you had better have something 
around to eat in case they should be hungry ? ” 

Time ’nough when dey all done rescue,” replied 
Chloe, relighting the lamp, and beginning to criss-cross 
medium-sized live oak logs over the glowing embers, and 
to stick chunks of light wood between them. 


68 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

Pust off, dey ainH not a scrap o^ vittles in de safe, 
cep’in^ whaPs fo^ breakfus, an^ ^tain^t in reason fur folks 
wha^ jes been drown^ fur want supper nohow. Dey^ll 
be some hot drink ; if dey^s mens dey^ll wan^ coffee, and 
if dey^s oomans dey^ll tek tea, and ef dey got dey apper- 
tite still wid ^em, 1^11 knock up a little pan o^ soda bis- 
cuit. I know ^tain^t no use fer ax you fer go to bed, but 
do Missy tek and tek keer yo^sef. Yo^ kin trus^ Spoils 
an^ me fer tek care any drown^ sailor mens de doctor 
apst ter bring home. You res^ honey, yo^ been traipsin^ 
up and down, up and down dis live long day, and fus^ 
ting yo^ know, yo^ won^t know nothin^, you^ll hab de 
feber, and when dat happen, all de fat’s in de fire.” 

^^Pll take care, don’t fret, Maumer dear, just hold 
the door open a tiny bit so I can get through without 
blowing your lamp and fire out. Wait, as soon as this 
passes, Fll make a dash for it. Now.” And Peggy 
slipped through the crack held open by the old cook, and 
fought her way against the wind till she reached the 
shelter of the back piazza. 

Stopping to throw some wood on the library fire, she 
ran up stairs to help Amy. Treason had built quick, 
light wood-fires in the rooms, and they looked comfort- 
able and inviting, a delightful refuge from the storm 
which shook the house, and shrieked around the old 
chimneys like a crazy banshee. 

Peggy and Amy worked in a perfect glow of sym- 
pathetic hospitality, and Spoils was as energetic as her 
nature permitted, but Mrs. Beverley stalked through the 
rooms with ill-surpressed anger and finally sought her 
own chamber where the two younger women hoped she 
would remain. 

She was bitterly jealous. Her permission had not 
been asked when there was a question of receiving the 
shipwrecked strangers into the house, and she had been 
ignored in all the preparations for their comfort. She 
hated Dr. Martineau; despised him for a country doc- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 69 

tor, and loathed him for knowing the secret of her mar- 
riage. Nevertheless, she was vexed that he should have 
seen her that evening in the unbecoming and uncorseted 
negligee she considered good enough for family wear. 

Every few moments either Peggy or Amy would 
press her face upon the window-pane and look for the 
light upon the bar. Long after the first rocket, it re- 
mained, a tiny twinkle, which swayed and dipped as it 
swung in the furious wind; often hidden by the waves 
and spray which rose between it and the land, but seen 
again when the storm lulled. 

The girls had expected the light to be extinguished 
if it should be possible to remove the people from the 
wreck, therefore looked only for the distant spark which 
had sent the message of danger and call for help across 
the water. 

No one thought of going to bed. The rain had ceased, 
but the wind blew in gusts of unabated fury, and when 
everything had been done that kindness and hospitality 
could think of, the two girls crouched over the library 
fire, talking in low tones though there was no one to 
hear them, and feeling anxious and unhappy because of 
the prolonged absence of the boat. 

It must be nearly morning,^^ said Amy, whose eyes 
were dull and colorless from want of sleep. The clock 
has stopped, have you the nerve to look into the dining- 
room? If youTl go, I will, but I won^t go alone, and 
you shan’t leave me. Coming?” 

I might as well,” replied Peggy rising. If I once 
realize I don’t know what time it is, I become a mental 
wreck until I find out. I have four watches among 
my possessions, all with lovely cases, and none with 
works that can hold a candle with Treason’s old Water- 
bury ; the one he has to wind up three times a day, and 
by dint of putting it forward ten minutes every half 
hour, and setting it back fifteen minutes every hour and 
a quarter, he generally has some knowledge of the way 


70 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


tempus fugits. Come along. Now my curiosity is 
aroused, I will shriek aloud if I have to pass another 
minute without knowing the time of night. What do 
you bet ? 

I say it^s twenty minutes to four, though I believe 
in my heart that it^s day after to-morrow,^^ replieed 
Amy. What do you? 

I believe it’s next year. And I am so sick and tired 
of worrying and waiting and listening to this Bugaboo 
wind, that I don’t want to do a thing but cry. Oh, Amy, 
what do you suppose has become of Uncle Doctor?” 
And Peggy’s voice trembled so that she dared not go on. 

First,” said Amy briskly, we’ll interview the clock, 
maybe they have not been gone so long as it seems. 
What time was it when we came in? Twenty minutes 
to eleven, wasn’t it.” 

^^Un, un,” replied Peggy, with the universal little 
sound of assent so constantly used by Southern women. 

There’s the clock, ^ 0 say can you see ? ’ ” 

Well, would you believe it,” cried Amy going close 
and peering into the face of the great mahogany clock 
which stood in its niche between two windows in the 
dining-room. ^^Look here. Peg, it’s on the stroke of 
one. Why they haven’t been gone much over two hours. 
For my part heroics make me tired. I’m not cut out for 
leading forlorn hopes, or throwing my beloved carcass 
into breaches. (I’d have you remember, sister mine, 
there’s an a in that last word. I may be wicked, but 
save me from vulgarity). Anyhow, as I have been fear- 
ing ever since this excitement began, I feel in my bones 
that we are going to rescue a couple of amphibious dar- 
kies who are sweetly sleeping on the scow or whatever 
they are sailing about in, while Strat and the doctor do 
stunts against the storm in bawling for a leg up as they 
bump against the wreck. Oh, for an excitement that 
would be exciting.” 

This is exciting enough for me, I’m limp with it,” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


71 


said Peggy strolling toward the front door. There 
must be white people on board; darkies wouldn’t have 
rockets. If only Dockelly’d come I would be willing to 
postpone an introduction to the shipwrecked mariner 
until to-morrow.” Or to-never,” grumbled Amy. 

As she spoke, both girls stopped their slow pacing of 
the hall and listened. A sound had certainly reached 
them from outside, and after a second’s pause, they ran 
to the door, which as the bolts were drawn was blown 
open by a gust of wind, putting out the great hall lamp 
and against which their combined strength was power- 
less to close it. Call Treason, he’s in the pantry,” 
cried Peggy, running out to the top of the steps, where 
Amy, after rousing the butler from strenuous slumber, 
joined her, and together they fought their way down to 
the edge of the bluff. 

Here they caught the full force of the storm and 
found they could not speak when facing the wind, so 
with one accord whirling in their tracks, Amy shouted, 

do you hear anything?” And Peggy yelled, ^^hear, 
why I’m drowned in hearing. But look over there to- 
ward the left, is that a light ? ” 

Both turned back and faced the furious wind which 
whipped their hair and skirts straight out behind them, 
and which blew so fiercely down their throats, that 
Amy was frightened, and pinched Peggy’s arm to draw 
her attention. 

^^Ro,” she roared, ^^I don’t see any light, and I’m 
scared. I can’t get my breath. Come on in, I just 
won’t 

But Peggy never heard what it was that Amy would 
not do, for as she spoke there came a call from the foot 
of the beach steps, and the black bulk of a boat appeared 
from behind the bath-house. 

By the light of the lantern in the bow, they saw it 
was full of people, and Peggy ran back to tell Treason 
to look to the fires, and see that Spoils was awake and 


72 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


had everything in readiness, then wrapping an old scar- 
let shawl around her head and shoulders she rejoined 
Amy, and giving her a share of the protecting shawl, 
stood watching the rowers struggling to make a safe 
landing. 

As soon as the boat grated against the step, one of the 
men jumped out, and holding it with all his strength, 
managed to keep it steady enough for two others to 
climb over the sides, where, standing waist deep in the 
water, they held it bow on against the steps. 

Then they saw Dr. Martineau help a woman out, 
and as he led her up the steps, Peggy came forward with 
outstretched hand and smiled her welcome. It being 
almost impossible to speak, Peggy pointed in dumb 
show to the house, and the visitor, and with raised eye- 
brows asked counsel about bringing them together; 
whereat Dr. Martineau nodded vigorously, patted her 
on the back, and trotted ofl down the steps. 

Peggy offered the trembling woman her arm, but she 
was either cramped or so weak that she and Amy 
finally put their arms around her and half led and half 
carried her up the path to the house. 

Treason had closed the door, and relighted the great 
lamp which hung in the hall, and now stood on the 
piazza ready to help if needed; and the girls were glad 
of his strength, for the stranger was quite unable to walk 
up the five shallow steps even with their aid, so Treason 
raised her gently in his arms and Peggy running ahead 
to open the door, carried her through the hall into the 
library, where he laid her on the couch by the five. 

can’t tell you how thankful I am that you are 
safe,” said Peggy, gently removing the many wraps in 
which her guest was swathed. I hope you haven’t had 
a very painful time in the storm?” The question 
sounded so silly in her own ears, that she flushed 
scarlet, telling herself in a scolding aside that people 
weren’t generally shipwrecked for pleasure, and that the 


PRETTY PEGGY O 73 

woman before her bad very likely experienced as painful 
a time as she had any desire for. 

But though Peggy blushed^ and Amy smiled in happy 
possession of superior savoir faire, there was nothing but 
gratitude and admiration in the face of the stranger. 

^^Yes, my dear/^ she answered in a pleasant, low 
voice which drew Peggy^s attention at once, we have 
had a dreadful time, and my brother slipped when the 
yacht went ashore, and we are afraid he has broken his 
leg. He is suffering a • great deal. It is God’s own 
mercy that we were rescued by a physician, though 
indeed, it is God’s own mercy that we are rescued at all, 
and I beg you to believe in our gratitude to you as His 
instruments.” 

She had a pleasant smile and seemed a woman of 
about forty years; a well preserved forty which would 
hardly look more than thirty Peggy thought, when she 
was rested and in the garb that Spoils always spoke 
of as sto’ clo’se. 

Just now, however, she was so wan and feeble that 
Peggy called Treason to bring the decanter she had 
prepared, and under the effect of a glass of old Madeira, 
followed by a cup of hot tea, she began to lose the blue, 
pinched look, which had frightened the girls, into silent 
prayer for Dr. Martineau’s return. 

A few moments’ later the doctor entered accompanied 
by a young man whose nervous shivering led him 
straight to the fire. 

^^I’ve only a second; they are bringing up your 
brother now, but I want to introduce these young ladies, 
Mrs. McLane. This is Miss Beverley, better known as 
Pretty Peggy 0, and Miss Amelia Beverley, who might 
also lay claim to the title if we could only find the song 
to hang it to. Girls, Mrs. McLane and her son are from 
the North, and were blown all the way from Bermuda 
waters to our sand-bank. Now, I’ll see about getting 
your brother to bed, and making him comfortable. 
Which room, Peggy?” 


74 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


The one right over this, and Mrs. McLane can have 
the one next. Pll slip up and see that Spoils has a fire 
and everything ready,” replied Peggy, running lightly 
up the wide stairs as she heard the feet of the men who 
carried the litter, shuffle in at the doorway. 

Passing through the three rooms and finding every- 
thing in order, she went back to the head of the steps 
to call the doctor, but the men had already started 
up stairs with their burden stretched on an old wooden 
shutter, and looking so ill, and in such pain, that the 
girl drew back into the shadow, and when they entered 
the chamber, hung around the door in case her services 
were needed, but shy of having the wounded man see 
that the anguish he could not quite hide had been 
observed. 

As Dr. Martineau passed, she beckoned him to join 
her in the hall, and asked hurriedly if she could help, 
but he said no, he had everything he needed for the 
moment, Stratagem had gone to his office for the bag of 
instruments he kept always ready, and Spoils was bring- 
ing hot water. Peggy could do no better that entertain 
Mrs. McLane and her son down stairs until he had 
everything shipshape. It would be better that they 
should not be too near when he examined the sick man^s 
injuries, he said. They had stood enough for a time 
and the young fellow looked as if he needed doctoring 
himself. 

So the kindly old doctor returned to the patient, and 
Peggy went down stairs to find Amy in lively conversa- 
tion with the young man, while Mrs. McLane dozed in 
the warmth of the fire. 

Pegg}" stopped by the table and poured out a glass of 
Madeira which she brought him in her hand. You^ll 
really feel so much better if you^ll drink this,” she said, 

and Pm going to get Treason to bring you some coffee, 
or would you rather have tea? I had Maum^ Chloe hold 
herself in readiness for both, so you may choose without 
fear of suggesting the wrong thing.” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


75 


The young fellow laughed as he said, thank you 
very much, thaPs just what I was afraid of doing. If 
you wonT trouble yourself about it, but just let me get 
it, I confess a cup of coffee is the thing I especially 
longed for. MaynT I get it ? ” 

No, indeed. Treason is here. Treason?” called 
Peggy, and as the butler appeared in the doorway with 
the inevitable pull of fore lock and scrape of foot — 
Treason, run over to the kitchen, please, and get us 
some coffee. 1^11 pour it, just bring in the cream and 
sugar with it.” 

As the man disappeared, Felix McLane turned from 
the fire over which he had been bending and glancing 
from one girl to the other, said, with a little apologetic 
laugh 

Please forgive my rudeness, but I think the rough 
experience of the last few days must have affected my 
intellect. Did I really hear you call that fellow 
^ Treason ? ^ It has such a remarkable sound, especially 
when applied to such a jolly looking chap, that I can’t 
control my curiosity. Was it Treason?” Both girls 
laughed, and Peggy answered. 

Yes, I know it’s odd, but we’re so accustomed to it, 
we don’t notice it at all. The way he happened to fall 
under such a name was quite natural, though. You see, 
Maum’ Chloe, who was my father’s nurse before she was 
mine, and who is now our cook, became, about thirty- 
five or forty years ago, the proud mother of triplets, two 
boys and a girl. This was such a tremendous perform- 
ance that my grandfather stopped by at the cabin one 
day to see the babies, and they were brought out to him, 
all three curled up in a fanner (that’s a fiat, straw 
basket, about so big — ^holding out her arms) . Well, he 
looked at the fat little creatures, who were so good and 
placid, and said to my father, who was with him, ^ Did 
you ever see such a sight in your life ? Don’t they look 
fit for Treason, Stratagem and Spoils?’ Maumer al- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


76 

most burst with pride, and asked granMada please to 
write the words down, which he did, on the back of an 
old envelope he had in his pocket, but he had no idea 
why she was so anxious to get them straight, and the 
babies were a year old before he knew he had named 
them/^ 

never heard of such a thing exclaimed Felix. 
^^Are the others living, and do they also hold by the 
names ? 

^^Why, of course,” chimed in Amy. ^^Maum’ Chloe 
is our cook these days, and Treason is butler. Stratagem 
is gardener and fisherman, hewer of wood and drawer 
of water, and Spoils is chambermaid and laundress. 
They^re quite contented with the names. Indeed, nobody 
ever notices, we^re all so used to them.” 

As Treason entered with the tray there came a rustle 
of silken skirts in the hall, and to the horror and surprise 
of the two girls, Mrs. Beverley sailed into the room, 
in a most gracious mood and a negligee it had taken 
two hours of frenzied work to concoct from an old 
black India silk, and the thread lace which had belonged 
to Peggy^s grandmother. She was beaming with hos- 
pitality, having by dint of listening at a crack in the 
door, and by constant questioning of Spoils and Treason, 
arrived at the conclusion that the shipwrecked guests 
were people of circumstance, and she determined to take 
her place as hostess without loss of time. 

Therefore she smiled graciously upon the wakeful 
Felix, giving his sleepy mother time to recover herself 
before taking her hand and assuring her of the pleasure 
she felt in seeing Mrs. McLane and her family beneath 
her roof. 

I was so overcome with horror when our good old 
doctor started off in all this turbulence of wind and 
water with only Stratagem and a few darkies, and in an^ 
open boat, I could only retire to my closet in prayer 
for them, and for the people imperiled in the yacht. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


77 


Ah, Mrs. McLane, it is a dreadful thing to be as 
sympathetic as I am. My nerves will cause me suffering 
for days, but I can only welcome the anguish, if any- 
thing we can do will be of the slightest service. 
Dieudonnee, darling, isn^t Mrs. McLane’s chamber ready 
for her ? I fear my little ones have been lax in not tak- 
ing you to your room at once, but young people you 
know,^^ and smiling archly, Mrs. Beverley was about to 
lead her guests up stairs, when Peggy spoke hurriedly. 

^^Wait, please, ^Te Lulu. TJncle Doctor asked me to 
make Mrs. McLane and her son as comfortable as I 
could down here for a while. He is making an examina- 
tion of her brother's injuries, and thought he would 
rather have her rest here until he has been made ready 
to see her.^^ 

Oh, well,^^ replied Mrs. Beverley, with badly con- 
cealed vexation. ^^When a doctor is in charge, he is 
apt to be mighty dictatorial. However, I hope you will 
be comfortable here. Would you prefer a chair? For 
my part, a sofa is never the resting place it is supposed 
to be. Get a bit of light wood, Mag. There^s nothing so 
cheery as a blaze.^^ 

Peggy stuck long light wood splinters between the 
logs, which caught at once and in less than five minutes 
great tongues of yellow fiames were roaring up the wide 
chimney, and the whole room glowed with the warm 
radiance. 

^^What a difference cried Mrs. McLane. Think 
of the hours of danger and cold and discomfort, and just 
look around. Oh, Felix son ! I am a thankful woman. 
I could have braved death myself — my life is over — all 

the part that counted — but to see your child die 

Mrs. McLane rocked backward and forward in the great 
chair by the fire, the tears she had held back so long 
streaming from her eyes. 

Her son^s face had grown ghastly pale as she spoke of 
their deliverance from death, and he knelt beside her. 


78 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


drawing her head on his shoulder and patting and whis- 
pering to her as if their relations were reversed and she 
in need of mothering. 

It was a relief to all when Dr. Martineau^s step was 
heard on the stair, and his kindly face brought comfort 
with it as he stood on the rug with his back to the fire, 
and his coat-tails parted and brought forward under his 
arms. 

^^Well> Mrs. McLane,^^ he said, beaming upon the 
group, and seeming to see nothing unusual. We’ve 
fixed your brother up, and he is doing as well as can be 
expected, as we doctors say. He’s got a pretty painful 
fracture of the hip, but h^’ll be around on crutches in no 
time. Oglethorpe air, my dear Madam, is a wonderful 
tonic, though one may have too much of it at times, as 
for instance, this evening, when it roared down a fellow’s 
throat in a maner which precluded conversation even in 
such an old gossip as myself.” And the good doctor 
laughed, as he got both coat-tails under one arm, that he 
might accept the wine that Peggy handed him. 

had a happy surprise, Mrs. McLane,” he said, 
when I discovered in my patient up stairs an old col- 
lege friend whom I haven’t even heard of for thirty 
years. He knew me first; I was too busy with splints 
and bandages to wonder if I had ever seen him, though 
the minute he grunted out, ^ look here, isn’t your name 
Billy Martineau?’ I caught on to the voice, and after 
one look I said. Darn Devil, but it’s Eitter McLane! 
Well, well, it’s a small world after all. Think of pick- 
ing up old Mac off a sand-bar in the Chatawanee Kiver ! ” 
I think I’ve heard of you, sir,” said Felix, that is, 
if you are the Billy Martineau who pitched for the 
University, and pretty nearly won some of the games 
single handed, ^^^y Uncle Eitter has often told about 
it, and I’ve heard my father speak of you, too.” 

Darn Devil, but you don’t say so,” cried the delighted 
doctor, his face glowing like a polished sunrise. Darn 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


79 


Devil, I didn’t know anybody on earth remembered Billy 
Martinean’s ball-game except Billy Martineau him- 
self. Yes, I knew John McLane too. Shooter we 
used to call him. He was a fine fellow, boy, and 
you’ve a right to be proud of him. Well, well, but it’s 
a pleasure to meet old friends, and I could stay here and 
talk all night, but it’s high time that every eye in this 
house should be shut. Come, Peggy child, let me give a 
few last orders. Treason must stay with Dr. McLane 
for the rest of the night. I’ll be back myself after break- 
fast, but I earnestly advise you, Mrs. McLane, to spend 
to-morrow in bed, and you too, youngster,” turning to 
Felix. You’re all much more fatigued than you 
realize now, and the best restorative is sleep. Beats 
anything in the pharmacopoeia, and I speak as one who 
knows. Peggy, you’ll show Mrs. McLane her room now, 
won’t you? And daughter, I forgot to tell you, I’ve 
sent three men from the boat up to my house. The sail- 
ing master and another one, I don’t know who, refused 
to leave, and really, there was no danger, only discom- 
fort, for the storm’s about blown itself out, though I’ve 
been so busy I didn’t notice it till now.” 

His words brought realization to his hearers, for 
neither had they observed the gradual diminution of 
the wind. 

As the doctor picked up his lantern Peggy followed 
him to the door, and was surprised to see gleams of 
moonlight sifting between the flying clouds, and silver- 
ing their constantly changing edges. 

Oh, Dockelly, what a night ! ” she cried, and what 
a hero, is my uncle Billy-boy ! But don’t tell me all this 
has happened in just one little sleepy-time. I’m con- 
vinced that it’s years since we saw the sun, and I’m so 
collapsed with excitement and sympathy and fatigue that 
I don’t even care what has happened at Kingsgift. 
Good-night, line’ Billy the pitcher plant. What did he 
mean by saying you pitched? Horses pitch when they 


8o 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


try to get rid of you, and boats too, and pitch is black 
stuff that refuses to leave you unless treated with kero- 
sene and care, but whaf s your variety ? 

Go ^long, you monkey, go to bed and stop guying my 
gray hairs. Lookout, the bears will get you,^^ cried the 
doctor in cheerful farewell. 

Nonsense, you don^t know your text, Dockelly. It 
was only baldness that was ever protected by bears. 
Good-nighV^ and Peggy ran indoors to show Mrs. Mc- 
Lane and her son into adjoining rooms, and see that 
Spoils had provided them with all necessities before 
laying her tired head on her pillow. 


PRETTY PEG GY Q 


8i 


CHAPTER VI. 

When the family, as well as the guests gathered be- 
neath the Beverley roof closed their tired eyes on the 
night of the storm, there was the same resolution in the 
minds of each ; they would rise betimes, they told them- 
selves. Mrs. McLane to take charge of her sick brother- 
in-law — Felix to look after the yacht and the possibility 
of righting her, Peggy to ride to Kingsgift to see with 
her own eyes the ruin wrought by the Cyclone, Amy 
that she might make a toilet which would impress the 
young man so Providentially thrown upon their hospi- 
tality, and Mrs. Beverley to assume the reins of govern- 
ment and place of hostess, while Peggy^s absence at the 
plantation gave her the chance. 

But each argued without taking the excitement of the 
few preceding days into consideration, and when the 
breakfast-bell rang, the summons was entirely disre- 
garded, while the morning verged toward noon before 
the tired household roused from exhausted slumber. 

Just before twelve, however, Peggy was awakened by 
Maum’ Chloe^s hand on her, but the old darkey^s voice 
had droned on for more than a minute before the sleep- 
deadened brain answered to the girPs will. 

I jes^ hates to wake yo^ honey, but TJnc^ Israel’s here, 
and he say dey ain^t much de matter wid^ de Crap at 
Kingsgift. He say de water been sabe ^most all de rice, 
and dey ain^t but two break and one bridge gone — de 
leetle ^un ^cross de Cunnal down by de buryin^ groun^ ! 
Does yo^ wan^ see him fo^ he go. Missy? Case he say he 
ain^ got no time for tarry, he jes come for tell ^bout d§ 
storm. 


82 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Oh, Maumer dear, I can^t trust such good fortune. 
Did he take care to go all over the fields? Just pull the 
screen, please, Maumer, thanks, now you may talk while 
I splash,^^ and Peggy splashed vigorously, while old 
Chloe busied herself in laying out her nursling’s clothes, 
and bustling about her in the same loving fashion she 
had been accustomed to from her birth. 

As Peggy ran down stairs, she met Dr. Martineau 
coming up, but stopping only for a second, to tell him 
Israel was waiting in the kitchen with news from Kings- 
gift, she went on out to where the old foreman was 
seated before the very small remains of a very large 
breakfast. 

Oh, Unc’ Israel, tell me everything about every- 
thing,” she exclaimed, as the old darkey rose, scraping 
and pulling his forelock. ^^Is there much damage at 
Kingsgift ? ” 

Dat’s huccome I done come. Missy,” he replied, 
smiling all over his shining black face. Dey ain’t no 
damage ’tall, dat’s to say damage, but dey’s two break, 
one in de ribber bank down in Mournin’ square, and one 
leetle break close by de fioodgate near de barn, yes’m, 
and de bridge done gone ober de drainage canal, yes’m, 
but he was a monstrous po’ bridge, only some plank wha’ 
nail togedder, and dey was buck’lin’, anyhow.” 

And the rice, Dnc’ Israel, is the crop much hurt?” 
asked Peggy, fairly gasping with interest. 

Not a mite, missy, not a mite,” replied the old man 
glowing with the pleasure of making a good report. 

Leastways ’tain’t mo’n half gone, ’case when de rice 
stanin’ de ha’vest water dese here storms don’ do so 
much damage.” 

But half ? ” cried Peggy, you said none. Which do 
you mean ? Tell me the true for true truth, Dnc’ Israel. 
I can stand it a heap better now when I don’t expect 
anything. Now, how is it, honest?” 

Well, little Missy, yo’ jes’ can’t tell,” allowed Israel, 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


83 

who felt hurt at having his happy tidings probed. IPs 
dis away; when de watePs on de rice dey ainT so much 
danger, but dese here storms is ahays wha^ yo call dan- 
gersome. But TainT like we all was cut an^ stacked like 
Simmon Hill or Red Mud plantations. When de win^ 
was a bulgin^ ^cross de ribber yestiddy, I see de stacks 
jump de banks same like a race-horse, yes’m. Ef I 
ainT mek no mistake, dey ainT a bushel er rice on one 
o’ dem ribber ranges, an’ dey ain’t nobody got dey crap 
in de barn, not much of it, anyway. How, we all 
rice is in de fiel’, an even if some been a blow down, 
it’s better’n sailin’ off like a ’omans’s hoopses, wid de 
win’ behine ’em, headin’ fo’ de sea. Yes’m, we all has 
a good chanst. But I can’t say we all kin save ev'ything, 
Ho’m.” 

In his efforts to hedge, and to offer consolation while 
preserving his reputation as a crop prophet, poor Israel 
wound himself up in an endless rigamarole which Peggy 
was quick to see through. 

^^Well, line’ Israel, I’m thankful — tlianlcful it’s no 
worse,” she said, ^^and I’m awfully obliged to you for 
coming right over to tell me. How listen. It’s too late 
for me to go back to-day, and I couldn’t do a thing about 
mending the breaks with this tide, but I want you to go 
home and get things ready, for I’ll work on the banks 
the second I can. Get bags and fill them from those 
brick piles where the old house was burnt, and get brush, 
too, and <see that the wheelbarrows are in thorough 
order. I’ll be over to-morrow, early, though I know I 
can’t mend the breaks till the tide cuts. Wait a min- 
ute,” and Peggy stood knitting her brows in her effort 
to provide for emergencies. 

Wait, and Hnc’ Israel, tell Jacob to make a decent 
bridge for the canal, you can carry it down as soon as 
the wagons can get through, and I don’t want just 
planks and a few nails. Tell him to brace the middle 
and the two ends, and to make it wider by a plank than 


84 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


the old one. How^s the road to Kingsgift? Pretty well 
broken up, isnT it ? 

^^In some place, Missy, she^s tolePble bad,” replied 
the old man, but Tain^t nuttin fer a mule ef you let 
hm tek he time an^ pick he own way. Dey^s a break up 
in de back water behine Red Mud, but I come roun^ 
Prough de pine lan^s. ^TainT no trouble to git dere, 
no^m.” 

All right, TJnc^ Israel, then you go back when you^re 
rested. Pm busy to-day. Did Maumer tell you how we 
saw a wrecked yacht out on the bar last night and how 
Dr. Martineau and Stratagem saved the people and 
brought most of them here? Pve got to see if theyVe 
had breakfast. I forgot everything about them, I was 
so distracted about Kingsgift,” and Peggy turned back 
into the kitchen where Maum^ Chloe was stirring some- 
thing over the fire. 

^^Oh, Maumer, have the wrecked folk had anything 
to eat yet ? ” she asked, breakfast, or luncheon, or any- 
thing? IVe slept so long it might be supper time, for 
all I know.” 

Here honey, you jes pick ober dat rice whilst yo’ 
talkinV^ replied the old woman. Fse got dis here brof 
for tend to. Tose dey done had dey brekTus. Ef youM 
a seen de trays wha^ Treason done caPy from here, youM 
a thought de whole ship^s crew was hongry. Yo^ 
mustnT call de vittles wha^ yo^ serve to sick folks 
brekTus. Yo^ must say nourishment. DaPs wha’ dey 
been a teach me. No matter ef iPs nuttin^ cep^ hoecake 
an^ chicken gizzard, when it git to de sick bed, iPs 
nourishment. Yes’m.” 

How long ago was the last call for nourishment, 
then,” laughed Peggy, as she industriously hunted and 
threw away the small black seeds which had slipped 
through the screen with the rice, and which had not been 
entirely eradicated by their passage between mortar and 


PRETTY PEGGY O 85 

pestle, nor the vigorous fanning of chaff and grain 
afterwards. 

Oh, somebody been a eat sumpin^ sence day clean,’^ 
grumbled the old woman, an^ now here come Doc^ 
Martineau wid he call for mo^ broff. Dey mus^ think 
we all been keep a chicken factory in dis here yaM. 
Pas^ as I kill one rooster, I got ^er clinch wid he brud- 
der, an^ so on till dey wonT be a fedder leP in de coop, 
no^m. CanT Israel sen^ some mo^ from de plantation ? 

Yes, ni see about it to-morrow,^^ replied Peggy, 
and meanwhile, kill away, Maumer, or make Strata- 
gem do it. I^m going in to see TJncle Doctor now, and 
mind, do your best with everything. If we don’t have 
anything to eat but rice for a year, I want to make things 
seem nice to these people. You see, Maumer dear, 
they’re Yankees, and I won’t have them pity our 
poverty. I won’t have them even realize we’re poor. 
They may think I dress in this freakish way because I 
like to; everyone to their taste, you know; but we’ve 
simply got to put our best foot foremost in table mat- 
ters ; and by the way, I’ll tell Treason to get down that 
big, old, silver desert service. Baked custard ought to 
taste like ambrosia from that, and I’m afraid baked 
custard will be all we can put in it, so it’ll be a mercy.” 

^^Don’ yo’ fret, chile, put yo’ trus’ in ole Chloe. I 
kin mek mo’n dat when pride’s a pushin’. Drat dis here 
broff,” and Maum’ Chloe angrily removed the saucepan, 
while Peggy ran laughing across the yard and into the 
house. 

Dr. Martineau was waiting for her in the library, 
and heard her as she entered the hall. Come here, 
Pretty Peggy 0 ” he sang out, ^'^ome lend me your 
ears ; I’ve a word for one or both. How is my daughter- 
kin after the exertions of the night? and what report 
did Israel bring ? ” 

Good, Dockelly, at least I hope so,” replied the girl 
as she seated herself upon the arm of his chair, and 


86 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


rubbed her soft pale cheek against his hair. ^^TJnc^ 
Israel is so anxious to keep me happy, that I fear his 
report is a trifle rose colored, but there are only two 
small breaks, so far as he knows, and a rickety bridge 
gone, but if the heads arenT whipped off the rice, or 
blown down in the water, why it wonT be a serious loss, 
I hope. The plantations where the rice was cut and 
stacked have suffered a lot I^m afraid, but Pll go over 
to-morrow and see for myself, I meant to go to-day, but 
when do you suppose I woke up? 

You ought to be asleep this minute, but Fm glad 
you^re not, he replied, patting her hand absently. See 
here, Peggy, McLane^s a sick man — Oh, he isnT going 
to die, I think,^^ he amended quickly, seeing her start, 
he’ll pull through to the century mark if he never gets 
worse than this, but he’s in for a long and tedious illness 
— hip fractures are the devil, no mistake, and I don’t 
know what to advise him to do. I can’t dump a family of 
three down on your hospitality, and I can’t advise him 
to travel until he’s a lot better anyhow. I’d meant to 
take them all over to my house, but,” and the good doc- 
tor rumpled his hair with both hands and gazed at Peggy 
with comical indecision, ^^well the fact is, Peg, I had 
a letter from my sister this morning, telling me she is 
coming at once, to spend the winter with me, and I don’t 
know what to do.” 

^^Why, don’t do anything,” replied Peggy, laughing 
at his appearance, which was that of a rumpled cockatoo. 

Leave them all here, I really believe they will be a 
pleasure to ’Te Lulu and Amy — they’ll be something to 
talk about, anyhow, and if they can make themselves 
comfortable here, and put up with the quiet and hum- 
drum life of Oglethorpe, I’m glad for them to stay. 
You see it isn’t as if I had invited them; I should be 
responsible for their entertainment in that case, but as it 
is, they won’t bother me at all. So rest your mind, 
TJncle Doctor, and tell me about your sister, weren’t 
you surprised?” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


87 

Surprised ? Peg, Balaam^s ass never surprised her 
rider by unforeseen speech as I was surprised by that 
letter/^ And Pr. Martineau looked over his spectacles 
at Peggy with such an expression of solemn despair, that 
the girhs laughter rang through the great room. 

You neednT laugh, you red-headed beauty-beast,^^ 
he said, with a sort of sheepish grin spreading over his 
broad features, ‘^‘^you donT know my sister; she’s the 
quietest, meekest, most selfish woman on earth. She 
complains of never having had her own way, yet so far 
as the observation of half a century goes, she has never 
missed it. Peggy, mere words can’t paint this sister of 
mine ; she’s a terror ; she can set a whole community by 
the ears, yet always poses as the aggrieved party. I 
don’t know how she does it, but if she enters a house- 
hold, hey presto, strifes in, happiness out, and Alister 
Martineau, with a grievance as long as her tongue, shows 
up as an example of injured innocence. Don’t tell me. 
I wouldn’t have her under my roof in conjunction with 

anyone else, even you. Peg — for — for 

^^^For an annual gold mine and found in tea and 
sugar,’ as Miggs said,” finished Peggy, as he groped for 
a word. But won’t she fuss with you, Dockelly ? ” 

R^ot if I can’t help it,” replied the doctor emphati- 
cally. 

It isn’t quarreling, I can’t explain it, you’ll see, but 
she shan’t come between you and me, little god-daugh- 
ter. Promise me now, before she gets here, that you 
will tell me any breath that might make trouble. Will 
you, Peggy? She might try it — she will, for that mat- 
ter, for she’s never failed yet. Well, you’ll see, there’s 
no use talking. She may descend on me at any moment, 
but if she isn’t here before, I’ve got to meet the train on 
Saturday morning, and between that and this, I’ve got 
to settle about McLane.” 

Good-morning, Miss Beverley, good-morning. Dr. 
Martineau,” said Mrs. McLane entering at that moment. 


88 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


asHamed of my sleepiness, but somebody , brought 
me a most delicious breakfast this morning, and when 
Pd eaten it, I laid back just for an instaiit, to think, 
you know, and when I opened my eyes I heard Dr. Mar- 
tineau^s voice calling you, and found to my horror that 
it was noon. I^m seldom so unsufferably lazy, but,^^ 
turning to the doctor, I hope you did not need me in 
EittePs room, did you ? I will be a good nurse from now 
on if you will trust me. I really don^t know how it hap- 
pened.” 

I know,” said the doctor with a laugh, you were 
tired out, and I wish you had slept until to-morrow. Sit 
here, won^t you? Pll be back this afternoon, though I 
may be a bit late. I was just speaking to this limb of 
mischief, my God-daughter, about your brother, Mrs. 
McLane, and telling her that I could not conscientiously 
advise his removal for some time.” 

Therefore,” broke in Peggy, I have been begging 
him — and now you — ^to consent to his staying where he 
is. Indeed, Mrs. McLane, it will give me very great 
pleasure to have you all stop until he is entirely well. 
We are such quiet folk in Oglethorpe that when we are 
providentially provided with guests, we like to make 
the most of them. As long as you can be contented in 
this out of the way corner of the world, you^ll stop, 
wonT you ? ” 

The elder woman smiled back into the girl’s glowing 
face. Why you are awfully kind,” she answered. 

Indeed, words can never express our thankfulness for 
your kindness and hospitality, and if Mrs. Beverley has 
no objection, we will be only too glad to stay a few days 
or until we recover from our experience of a West Indian 
cyclone.” 

Peggy’s face flushed scarlet, and Dr. Martineau drew 
her to him as he answered, you need have no hesitation 
in accepting Peggy’s invitation, Mrs. McLane, for she is 
chatelaine here. You know, Mrs. Beverley is her step- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


89 


mother, and the house with everything it contains 
belongs to my little ward. She is housekeeper as well as 
householder, and my advice to you all is to take her at 
her word. There^s not a better rest cure on earth than 
Oglethorpe, and it’s a splendid tonic for tired nerves. 
I’ll give Ritter my professional advice to remain,” he 
added as he left the room. 

Mrs. McLane and Peggy followed him out on the 
great piazza, and drew long breaths of the soft air which 
blew in from the sea. The sunlight was like clean gold, 
and the deep-blue sky filled with stately white clouds 
which cast clear-cut shadows across the distant marsh. 

What a lovely place,” cried Mrs. McLane. I could 
not have seen anything last night, even if I had looked, 
but really, I never saw such a place in my life ! I’ve 
read of them, it’s like the old Italian gardens, but en- 
tirely different, if you know what I mean,” as Peggy 
laughed, oh, but it’s so restful and quiet, and it looks 
as if it had been lived in and cared for by so many gener- 
ations of charming and refined people ! I can’t tell you 
how beautiful it seems to me. Aren’t you struck with 
it yourself every time you come back to it?” 

Peggy flushed and laughed a little as she answered, 

Does it seem very odd, when I tell you I have never 
gone far enough away to see my home with eyes capable 
of comparison? A week or two in Charleston when I 
was very young, and a short trip with my father to 
Savannah and Brunswick two years ago — ^this the sum 
total of my travels. But I don’t think anything could 
make me love my home more than I do, for it was my 
mother’s, and my grandmother’s before it was mine. 
This garden was just as it is now when my grandmother 
used to play here as a tiny girl. Her father built the 
house, and laid out the grounds after the pattern of his 
old home in England. It is all on a much smaller scale, 
of course, and the plants are different, these camellias 
and azaleas wouldn’t stand an English winter, but the 


90 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


general effect is the same, they say. Of course I don’t 
know, as Pve never seen the other. But you may realize 
that the fact makes the place all the dearer to me.” 

can, indeed,” replied Mrs. McLane emphatically. 

It’s the very crowning touch. Why, if it were mine 
I should be insufferable from pride ! and my dear, if you 
don’t object to personalities from an old woman, I want 
to tell you what a mine of interest and beauty you have 
in the furnishing of this lovely old house. You have 
what money can’t buy. Yes, I know it can buy just 
such gear, as old and as handsome, and as well preserved, 
but it isn’t theirs except by purchase. That makes all 
the difference in the world. There’s a glamor about 
stuff that has been used by one’s forbears — I know, for 
I’ve a bit of it myself, but nothing when compared with 
yours ! ” 

Peggy laughed, I can’t tell you how flattered I feel,” 
she said, I fairly want to purr. I know I love the old 
things better than I should. Doesn’t it say somewhere 
in the Bible ^ Set not thy affection upon a pot ? ’ well, 
I’m not especially keen about the kitchen gear, but if 
pot is generic, and not particular, I’m guilty!” 

^^I don’t know what you’re guilty of, but you don’t 
look it, no matter what it is,” said Felix joining them. 

He kissed his mother affectionately, and kept his arm 
around her as he turned to shake hands with Peggy. 
^^Miss Beverley,” he said earnestly, ^^I thought myself 
your debtor last night, but I’m doubly so to-day. My 
bed was bewitched. I never slept so in all my life, and 
leaving it this morning was like parting from a cherished 
friend. And look at the weather ! I believe you had it 
made to order ! ” 

Yo,” cried Amy who had followed him out, and who 
nodded her greeting to Mrs. McLane as she spoke. We 
can’t afford anything but ready-mades ” — ^hand-me- 
downs ” as I heard somebody call them. We can’t even 
cut the weather to our two by four bit of cloth, and that’s 


PRETTY PEGGY O 91 

a shame, as weather is all we can brag about in Ogle- 
thorpe. 

Un, un/^ said Peggy, the negative being in the in- 
tonation, rather than the word. We don’t have 
weather, Amy, don’t rob us of our illusions ! In spite of 
the conditions in which Mrs. McLane arrived, I maintain 
that we enjoy climate! And there’s the dinner-bell. I 
hope our climate has stood up to it’s reputation, and 
proved an appetizer ? ” 

can answer for myself, and in a most energetic 
affirmative,” said Felix, as he held the door open for 
them to pass through. 


92 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


CHAPTER VII. 

News, oodles of news/^ cried Amy, coming in from 
a round of calls which included the seven stately houses 
on the bluff. 

She looked very pretty as she stood smiling at them, 
and drawing off her long black silk gloves. She wore 
a white frock with a broad belt of black ribbon, and a 
great black picture hat set a trifle rakishly on her bright 
red hair. Her cheeks were rosy with exercise, and her 
blue eyes dancing with the double interest of having 
something to say, and somebody to hear her say it, and 
Felix thought he had seldom seen a face so full of be- 
witching diablerie as the one before him. 

Mrs. jBeverley regarded her daughter with amiability. 
She felt that she had done well, and that Amy was a 
girl to be proud of, and the admiration in young Mc- 
Lane^s eyes was not lost upon the astute lady, who, how- 
ever, showed no sign of watchfulness as she sat waving 
her large fan in a manner to show to the best advantage 
the hand that held it. 

Felix had joined Mrs. Beverley and his mother on the 
great front piazza as Amy came up the steps, and now 
brought over one of the light wicker chairs, and seated 
himself beside her. 

We^re all agog,^^ he said, You have the floor. Miss 
Amy, don^t be so stingy as to keep anything so valuable 
as news away from us. Please talk ! 

Now, did it ever happen before that a man asked a 
woman to talk!” laughed Amy. ^^But don^t fret; 
nothing short of violence can make me hold my tongue, 
and as for my news, well, maybe it will sound tarnish 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


93 

to you, but here, where nothing happens but death, it 
seems immense ! 

Felixes face turned ghastly as she spoke of death, and 
his whole frame seemed to shrink and shudder, but he 
controlled himself, and Amy chattered on, quite uncon- 
cious of any agitation near her, 

^^To begin at the very beginning,^^ announced Amy 
pompously, ^^Mrs. Darby has presented her admiring 
husband with a ninth daughter. Isn’t it pitiful,” she 
cried, her manner changing abruptly, isn’t it hateful 
that only girls are born in Oglethorpe? Of course I’m 
too far gone in the sere and yellow direction to have a 
personal interest in the sex of Mrs. Darby’s ninth, but 
it’s been that way ever since I failed to attain mascu- 
linity myself. Well, I suppose Oglethorpe can’t help it. 
If a boy were brought here by some mistaken stork, he’d 
promptly dry up into an old maid, so it doesn’t signify. 
Let us be thankful for such blessings as we have ; that we 
aren’t Mrs. Darby for instance. Oh, think of it! To 
have nine big mouthed daughters and a husband with 
chin whiskers ! ” and Amy’s shudder was too thorough to 
be assumed. 

^^Well,” said Mrs. Beverley, we’ve assimilated this 
bit of gossip; have you nothing more thrilling in your 
budget ? I confess I could have postponed my acquain- 
tance with the ninth Miss Darby. What next ? ” 

One of the next,” replied Amy, nothing daunted by 
her mother’s remarks, ^^is that Paradise swarms with 
workmen. Everything is to be restored in the precise 
manner of its youth and beauty, and the indoor part is 
to be entirely reorganized. Modern Luxuries, are to lurk 
behind innocent colonial discomforts, and while the 
rooms are to retain the appearance once approved by 
long dead and gone Hallams, in reality they will be all 
that rich people — thrice happy rich people ! can desire. 
And the Worthingtons will be here by Thanksgiving if 
they can get the place ready ; by the way, they’re putting 


94 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


in a furnace! How^s that for a house warming? And 
if they canT eat their Thankful goose in Paradise, they’ll 
at any rate devour their Christmas turkey within its 
sacred, if second-hand precincts.” 

Dieudonnee, my child!” cried Mrs. Beverley in 
pained accents, ^^be careful darling!” and turning to 
Mrs. McLane she murmured, these young people!” 
and shook her hard red cheeks in pretended despair at 
her daughter’s flippancy. 

Here’s Peg,” cried Amy as she heard the sound of 
galloping hoofs coming from the back of the house, 
now we can have supper. There’s nothing like paying 
calls to give one an appetite, and Pll frankly confess 
I’m starved. Before I go to harry Maumer and hurry 
Treason, let me give you yet another item to rejoice 
over. Dr. Martineau’s sister has arrived at last ! Miss 
Lovey Overholme told me she went to the doctor’s office 
yesterday for a plaster to put on that old imbecile cook 
of hers — I don’t wonder she’s imbecile if she’s treated 
with plasters — anyhow, when Miss Lovey knocked, the 
door was opened by a little, mousey woman who was 
looking on at the havoc Kanawha was making of poor 
Dr. Martineau’s treasures. Kanawha was expostulating 
bitterly, and telling the mousey one that Mas’ Billy 
won’t let anybody tech he papers,” and insisting that 
Mas’ Billy gwine kill we, all two, when he fin’ out 
huccome we all muss he room,” but mousey was firm. 
Miss Lovey says she asked for the doctor, and was told 
that he had gone to see Tim Halloran’s baby who was 
spasmotic,” whatever that is, and mousey, who in- 
troduced herself as Miss Martineau, then went on to 
say, that her brother had no system; that having office 
hours, he should keep them, and not go flying off at the 
call of the first person who happened to think himself 
ill, and a lot more, all much of a muchness. Miss Lovey 
isn’t what her most devoted admirers would call a par- 
ticularly clever woman, or one gifted with phenomenal 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


95 


insight^ but even she sees trouble ahead for the doctor, 
and her prophesies concerning his wrecked happiness 
would draw tears from a stone. Well, Pm off ! I never 
saw people absorb gossip with such utter absence of in- 
terest. Pll bet even Peggy’s evening lecture on domes- 
tic economy will be more hilariously received, but Pm 
not jealous!” and still laughing, Amy ran indoors, 
followed by her mother’s plaintive bleat — Dieudtonnee ! 
please don’t say you bet, because you don’t 1 ” 

Peggy slipped from her riding habit into a soft, white 
gown which fell in long folds to her feet, trailing a little 
as she walked, and showing every line of her round young 
figure to advantage. But instead of running down stairs 
after a perfunctory glance at the mirror, she stood gazing 
back at the lovely face it reflected, although her thoughts 
were of anything rather than her own beauty. 

Presently she crossed the room to a great carved ward- 
robe, and opening it, touched a spring which betrayed a 
secret drawer. In this she kept her few jewels, and such 
possessions as she treasured most. Her father’s letter 
was there, with a bit of his hair, and of her mother’s; 
her mother’s gloves, some bits of lace, valued from sen- 
timent rather than worth, and there also, she kept the 
paper in which, true to his word, Hr. Martineau had 
written the account of her father’s second marriage, 
giving data in full, and signed before the notary public 
of Oglethorpe. 

Opening a little shagreen box stamped in gold with 
the Beverley arms, Peggy took out a string of pearls 
which she clasped around her throat. Replacing the 
box, and shutting the door, she went back to the mirror 
and looked long and earnestly at the gleaming jewels. 
She did not know why she had decided to dress up,” as 
old Maumer called it. She only knew she wished to em- 
phasize her position as mistress of the house, and to 
appear more womanly, more grown up, in her own par- 
lance, in the eyes of her guests. 


96 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


Peggy was by no means introspective, and still less 
did she search the hearts of those aronnd her, but she 
felt, almost subconsciously, the constant undermining 
of her authority by her stepmother, and, without giv- 
ing definite expression to the determination, decided to 
assert herself. Just what effect the pearl necklace 
would have, Peggy could not know, but she felt the 
stronger for its clasp upon her throat, as if a friendly 
hand had reached out from those women of her race 
who had worn it, and there was sympathy and healing 
in its touch. 

As she went slowly through the hall, Peggy saw the 
door of Dr. McLane^s room open, and his nurse standing 
near it, so she stopped to enquire whether he needed any- 
thing, but before he could answer, the old gentleman 
called to ask if she would not come in for a short visit. 

You^re a sight for sair ’een,^^ he said, holding the 
little hand she had given him in greeting. You don^t 
mind an old man’s delight in your beauty, do you, my 
dear? You are like a flower, so pure, and fair, and 
dignifled. Did you ever notice the dignity of flowers, 
Miss Beverley?” 

No,” replied Peggy, but now that you have pointed 
it out to me I always will. May I bring up a chair and 
sit by you for a while? You’re sure that I won’t dis- 
turb you? Thanks. For I love to talk to you. You 
never speak without giving me something to think about 
afterwards. I’m glad you mentioned the dignity of 
flowers; I’ve always thought of them as graceful, beau- 
tiful, cheerful, fragrant, but dignified? Somehow I’ve 
missed that. You know I have all sorts of notions about 
things, I have so much time to think in these long rides 
to and from Kingsgift, and I’m always glad for a new 
thought.” 

I wonder what the ^ notions ’ are which hide under 
that aureole of yours? What do you think of on these 
long rides ? Come in, Felix, Miss Beverley is doing mis- 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


97 


sionary work by talking a while to the old cripple. Sit 
there, where I can see you both, so, now, my dear, please 
let me hear some of the thoughts that shorten the road 
you travel so frequently 

Oh weiy^ replied Peggy, a little daunted at having 
a larger audience, donT think anything, especially. 
Thoughts aren’t carried out and dissected, you know, 
they just glide through your mind like shadows, till 
suddenly one will seem to have substance, and you hold 
and look at it on all sides, and sometimes you find it 
masquerading, and of no value when the domino is gone, 
and sometimes you welcome old friends with new faces. 
This afternoon I found a law. That is, I thought it was 
a law, but Pm growing shaky about it, and after supper 
I’ll look up some historical geography, or geographical 
history, I don’t know which ought to come first.” 

That either should be there fills me with curiosity,” 
said Felix. I always disbelieved history and evaded 
geography, so I can’t imagine anyone letting their mind 
dwell on them. Do tell us how you came by the com- 
bination.” 

^^Do don’t think me a pedantic old school-marm,” 
said Peggy a little shyly. I didn’t mean to think about 
lesson books at all, it all came from thinking about the 
war, I suppose. I was passing the ruins of a tremendous, 
old house which used to stand on the knoll at Kingsgift, 
and which was burnt by the northern soldiers when they 
passed through, and from thinking about one war, I 
thought about others, and finally worked out the idea 
that longitude has an effect upon history. Now, do don’t 
laugh! Wait. I was struck by the thought that no 
nation so far as I can remember, has ever conquered the 
nation immediately north of it, have they? Rome over- 
came the known world, but she couldn’t quite control the 
tribes directly north of Italy, the German tribes, you 
know, and she finally went down before them. She 
could conquer as far east as Jerusalem and west to 


98 PRETTY PEGGY Q 

Britain, she could carry the war into Africa and win, 
she could hold Gaul, because that was a bit to the left, 
don^t you see? But Germany had the aid of longitude, 
and Rome succumbed/^ 

Go on, my dear, work it ouV^ cried the old man. 

Have you gone further ? 

Oh, dear me, yes,^^ replied Peggy, and I really 
don’t care a bit if you laugh, or even if you refute my 
arguments, and knock me down with forgotten facts. 
But look at England! She never really overcame the 
Scotch until she crowned their king as her own. Of 
course I know that the English conquerered in actual 
warfare, but they couldn’t hold Scotland; she wriggled 
free the minute their armies marched away. She held 
Wales, and even Ireland, but she had to comiine with 
the nation due north. I won’t speak of our own war. 
They say we Southern people are too prone to talk about 
that, but who knows what might have happened if we 
had not been the under dog — geographically speaking! 
There’s only one thing that staggers me. I can’t for 
the life of me remember which overcame the other when 
Chile and Peru had a fracas? And I can’t remember 
either whether one is due north of the other. That’s 
what I’m going to look up after supper, for I have a 
feeling I am coming to grief on this example. But don’t 
let’s count South America, eh ? Oh, no, I’ve got it ! It 
works the other way across the Equator, and it’s the 
country furthest north, that is, nearest the pole — the 
South pole which wins, see ? ” 

Both laughed the pleased, indulgent laugh which men 
have always ready in the service of a beautiful woman, 
and Dr. McLane had drawn the preliminary breath for 
a counter argument, when there was a knock at the half- 
opened door, and Mrs. Beverley sailed in at the invita- 
tion to enter. 

Me ! me ! ” she said, shaking a playful fore finger at 
her step-daughter, ^^I feared Margaret was in here 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


99 


worrying you with her chatter. I must say Mag, for a 
girl brought up at home you have the strangest and most 
unladylike manners ! Fm shocked to find you bothering 
poor Dr. McLane, but as usual, you never think of any- 
body but yourself.^^ Then turning to the sick man with 
a smile which widened her round mouth but in which 
her eyes failed to join, she continued, I hope you will 
forgive her. Dr. McLane, for poor Margaret had no ad- 
vantages of education such as Mr. Beverley gave Dieu- 
donnee, though I begged for years that she should be 

sent off to school. But her poor father 

^^But, my dear father,^^ interrupted Peggy, her face 
like white flame, was so kind that he kept me with him, 
and even became my teacher, that I might have such 
advantages as schools canH give. With a library like 
mine, and with such a man as my father to direct my 
reading, I do not feel the deficiency you deplore, and I 
thank him from my heart that he made me his com- 
panion and disciple; I could not ask a happier condi- 
tion.^^ Then turning to Dr. McClane, I didnT trouble 
you, did she asked recovering her serenity, while 
her stepmother glared angrily at her, and shook her 
hard, red cheeks in disapproval. ^^At any rate, Fll 
make up for it by running down and seeing if Maum’ 
Chloe isnT nearly ready with your supper.^^ 

No, donT go, please,^^ said the old man, you have 
no idea how I enjoy your visits. You are like a sea 
breeze, dear child, and the more I see of you the more 
I want to see. Please Mrs. Beverley, donT deprive me 
of the pleasure of her visits,^^ he went on, turning with a 
smile to look into the elder woman^s face, they are like 
angeFs, few and far between, but they have tided me 
over many a weary moment.^^ 

Well,^^ said Peggy rising, Fve got to go now, but 
I donT want to, for I simply love compliments! It 
doesn’t matter at all whether I deserve them, I’m greedy 
just the same, and I could sit here for an hour drink- 


100 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


ing in every pretty speech you can concoct. But I 
brought you something from Kingsgift, and Pm going 
down to see that you have a goodly portion for supper. 
I stopped by and asked Uncle Doctor, and he said yes. 
What do you think you^ll see ? Shall I tell you ? Rice 
birds!*' And with a nod and smile Peggy went softly 
from the room. 

Mrs. Beverley sighed, and the sigh was so emphatic, 
that it was like the angry but speechless ghost of ex- 
asperated disapproval. 

As no one spoke, and as Mrs. Beverley was by no 
means satisfied to remain silent, she coughed slightly, 
and began with an apologetic laugh, My dear Dr. Mc- 
Lane, I hope you won^t judge Margaret too harshly, but 
she is so entirely undisciplined, I fear she often tries 
your patience by her flippant manner. You see her poor 
father was so entirely devoted to little dear Dieudonnee 
that Mag ran rather wild, and though he was obliged to 
keep her with him, that he might in some way control 
her perverted disposition, she has always been a sore, 
sore triaV^ and Mrs. Beverley sighed again, as she made 
unnecessary dabs at her eyes with her handkerchief. 

I can^t say that IVe seen any signs of the dispo- 
sition you deplore,^^ said Dr. McLane drily. Indeed, 
it seems to me that Mr. Beverley might well have made a 
companion of his elder daughter because of her charm- 
ing personality. I don^t know when Pve met so delight- 
ful a pair of girls as your two daughters, Mrs. Beverley, 
and I have to thank them for many a pleasant hour 
which would have dragged, as only hours spent in the 
sick-room can drag, without their cheerful talk.^^ 

Oh, they^ll talk ! cried Mrs. Beverley greatly 
piqued at the old man^s championship of Peggy, ^^but 
while Dieudonnee^s girlish chatter may not be very amus- 
ing to a man of your years and attainments, I must 
warn you that Margaret holds most heterodox opinions, 
and is never backward about airing them. Oh, she is 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


lOI 


a thorn in the flesh of onr good pastor, Fm sure, and 
her poor father and Dr. Martineau have encouraged her 
until there^s nothing she dare not say. Yes, I don^t 
wonder you look surprised, but would you believe it? 
She doesnT even respect Hell ! 

My dear lady,^^ said Dr. McLane gently, I should 
be very sorry to think your beautiful daughter held any 
opinions except those endorsed by our Holy Church, 
and I must say that if Martineau is her sponsor in bap- 
tism, she couldnT have a better and truer Christian. 
IVe known him for many years, though weVe lost sight 
of each other lately, but I never knew Billy Martineau 
to do a shady thing, and I donT believe he ever even 
thought anything not compatible with his ideal of a 
Christian gentleman; and his ideal is high too; the 
very highest.^^ 

Well, you know best, of course,^^ responded the lady 
pettishly, ^^but if you^d hear Margaret argue about 
death, and what comes afterward, you’d think she had 
private instructions on the subject, and the way she talks 
of Hell is positively indelicate ! For my part, I don’t 
think it looks well for a person of her age to be so certain 
sure of going to Heaven. Sometimes I say to her, I say, 
Mag Beverley, how dare you think that such a trouble- 
some bundle of faults and selfishness is going to be saved? 
But there ! I might as well speak to the wind.” And 
the lady fanned herself with the quick short strokes 
which, in her case, denoted temper with diflBculty held 
in leash. 

Dr. McLane was relieved to hear the supper-bell, and 
after Felix had led the still sighing lady from the room, 
he lay looking out through the leaves of the great laurel 
tree which screened the window near his bed, to the sun- 
set which burned crimson and orange and amethyst 
between the clouds which lay like bars of bronze along 
the horizon. 

He liked Peggy, and it grieved him to hear that she 


102 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


was — well — ^he did not know exactly what she was, but 
from Mrs. Beverley’s remarks he judged it most un- 
pleasant. If there was one thing above another valued 
by Dr. McLane it was orthodoxy. He clung to the tenets 
of the Church with the blind faith of men in the work 
of man, and shut both eyes and ears to the laws of nature 
working out the will of God. 

The old man grew fretful. It tired him to think, 
and he resented Mrs. Beverley’s interference. He had 
been amused by Peggy’s argument in favor of the effect 
of longitude on history, and did not feel in the humor for 
theological discussion. Besides, Pelix had been there, 
and the state of Felix’s soul was a sore trouble to his 
uncle. 

For more than a year the boy had believed himself 
doomed, and his dread of death had materially injured 
his small chance of recovery. His morbid imagination 
dwelt continually upon the physical horror of the grave, 
and the fear of the punishment to follow dissolution, 
blotted out his hope of Heaven. 

His uncle had prayed and exhorted, seemingly in 
vain, and, though he never mentioned the subject, the 
terror grew with the progress of his disease, until now 
the grisly appenage of the tomb was never absent from 
his thoughts, and while he still had strength to hide his 
terror, both mind and body trembled at the thought of 
the worm which never dies. 

Poor, old Dr. McLane sighed. Here was the boy 
beloved as his own son, tearing from himself his one op- 
portunity for health, by his obsession concerning dis- 
solution in its most ghastly form ; and now the girl, to- 
ward whom he felt drawn as he had never before been 
drawn to a stranger, with her perverted ideas of Hell! 

And the good man lay on his bed of suffering, unmind- 
ful of his own condition, but repeating such prayers 
from the Church service as he felt applicable to both 
cases^ so when Dr. Martineau arrived next morning it 


PRETTY PEGGY O 103 

was not surprising that he found him feverish and ill 
at ease. 

^^Darn Devil, Ritter, what on earth have you been 
doing with yourself cried the doctor as he rumpled 
his gray hair and peered over his spectacles into his 
friend^s face. When I left you yesterday you were 
simply booming^ and this morning you look like — like 
— like a mourning dove ! he sputtered. What^s 
happened ? 

I don^t know ; I began to think and worry, and mis- 
behave generally replied the patient meekly. See 
here, Billy, I want to ask some questions, but if I step 
over into forbidden ground will you promise to stop me ? 
And I want to talk finance, too. But to begin with, 
will you tell me if you can, something about Miss Bever- 
ley 

Who, Peggy ? Why sure ! cried the doctor heartily, 
^^there^s nobody on this earth that I consider more 
worthy of conversation. Fire away old sport, what 
is it?^^ 

^^WelV^ said Dr. McLane slowly, ^^you know I ad- 
mire her extremely. To me she seems one of the loveliest 
and most interesting women Fve ever seen, and her man- 
ners, and the way she speaks, are absolutely bewitching. 
Yet, Mrs. Beverley told me last evening that she was 
pushed aside by her father, who made a pet and com- 
panion of the younger daughter, only taking notice of 
the elder when he found she had grown so wild and un- 
manageable that she needed a strong hand constantly 
over her, and that since his death she has been entirely 
uncontrolled.^^ 

Dr. Martineau^s face was a study. In the beginning, 
he had listened with a pleased smile, which had grad- 
ually faded and was replaced by a look of horror and 
incredulity almost ludicrous in its intensity. As Dr. 
McLane paused he gasped, Peggy ! are you talking 
about Peggy Beverley ? Why man, man ! And Peggy^s 


104 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


old friend started up and stamped about the room rum- 
pling his already rumpled hair with one hand, and 
clutching the tails of his coat with the other. 

^^Yes, I was surprised myself, continued Dr. Mc- 
Lane, and she went on to tell me that the poor pretty 
child has been brought up at home, her father not trust- 
ing her away from him ; and she is almost without relig- 
ion, for she repudiates the idea of Hell, and I really 
don^t know what her ideas of Heaven may be like. But 
the matter has troubled me, Billy. The girl is too 
charming for such a character. Pve become so fond of 
her; she^s so intelligent, yet so sympathetic, eh? that 
Pve really fretted over it.^^ And Dr. McLane gazed 
mildly at Dr. Martineau^s agitated countenance, while 
Dr. Martineau glared at Dr. McLane in a manner sel- 
dom assumed by a physician toward his patient. 

Ritter Mac ! he cried, I can^t believe it ! Great 
God in Heaven And the old man raved with his 
clenched fists in the air, then suddenly he became quiet 
and sat down beside the bed. 

^^Eitter,^^ he said, wiping his eyes with the back of 
his hand, and not at all ashamed of the tears that filled 
them. Forgive me, old fellow. I always had the devil 
of a temper you know, and Peggy is as dear to me as if 
she were my own daughter. Her father was my dearest 
friend, and her mother — well — there’s my romance 

The doctor paused, and passed his hands over his head 
until he had secured the cockatoo effect he always as- 
sumed in moments of agitation. 

Under the circumstances, Mac,” he resumed, /^Pm 
going to tell you the truth about this family. Beverley 
pledged me to secrecy in the beginning, but I think — ^yes 
— I think in this case, and for Peggy’s sake, he would 
wish me to speak. Well, in a nut-shell, the thing is 
this. Peggy’s mother died when the child was born you 
know, and a year or so afterward Beverley got a note 
from a distant cousin — a woman he barely knew by 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


105 


sight, asking him to go to Charleston, as she wished to 
speak to him on important and personal matters. He 
went, and met the present Mrs. Beverley, who owned up 
to disgrace, and while bleating about wounded affection, 
shrieked aloud for the gore or the wedding-ring of the 
bewhiskered Englishman, who had dared to love and 
ride away. In the midst of the rumpus, here came the 
announcement of the perfidious one^s wedding, so there 
was no more hope from that quarter, and finally, after 
a few days^ hesitation, Beverley offered the lady the pro- 
tection of his name. It was her name, too, and she had 
smirched it, and to keep the stain from the eyes of the 
world, my poor friend delivered himself roped and bound 
for the sacrifice. It was a fatal step, for she hated him 
from the day she saw him. She tried her fascinations on 
him to no avail, and if there was any human kindness 
left in her heart his indifference turned it to verjuice. 
The child was born about three months after the wedding 
— Amy, you know, though she was kept dark for nearly 
a year, and you may imagine the truth of her mothePs 
statement that she was Beverley^s favorite ! Poor little 
wretch ! it was not her fault, but Beverley couldnT even 
look at her with toleration; thaPs why he sent her to 
school, and all that, while Peggy ! Peggy was far dearer 
than the apple of his eye ! Oh Mac, I havenT words to 
express that woman^s perfidy ! And her one hope is to 
supersede Peggy, and be acknowledged mistress here, 
which she never has been for ever since Peggy could 
walk, her father made it plain that the house and every- 
thing in it belonged to her. It was a legacy from her 
grandmother, her mothePs mother, you know,^^ and 
the old doctor blew his nose with a tremendous flourish 
of trumpets before going on with his story. 

Just before Beverley died, he wrote a letter to Peggy, 
!( which pretty nearly fell into the enemy’s hands, by the 
way,) and told her the whole business. She knew Mrs. 
Beverley was not her own mother, of course, but she had 


io6 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


no idea there was anything wrong. He advised her 
earnestly to ship both Madame and her daughter to a 
bit of cotton land they own up country, and Peggy went 
so far as to suggest the move, in a moment of especial 
exasperation ; but Mrs. Beverley is a clever woman, in a 
low cunning sort of way, and was keen enough to take no 
notice of the advice, and I doubt if Peggy ever summons 
enough courage to try it again. I tell you Mac, a good 
name is a good thing, but a title, with a kingdom to hang 
it on, wouldn^t pay a man for having to live with Mrs. 
Beverley ! I beg you, if you have any trust in my word, 
never to believe anything she says about Peggy. Good 
Lord, boy, that woman’s the devil ! And mean ! she lives 
on Peggy’s little income — both she and her Dieudonnee 
— (Dieudonnee! did you ever know the brass?) and she 
won’t spend a penny of her own money, though Lord 
knows she hasn’t much.” 

Dr. McLane drew a long breath. ^^IJpon my word 
Billy,” he said, I never was so surprised in my life ! 
never — never. Dear me ! And that lovely child to be so 
persecuted I I see now why she flared up when her step- 
mother spoke of her father having refused her the edu- 
cational advantages he provided for his younger daugh- 
ter.” 

No daughter of his,” interrupted Dr. Martineau 
with a snort. That woman has the brass of a train- 
load of monkeys. To talk about her dear Dieudonnee, 
and her dear Dieudonnee’s father ! ” And there was a 
sound of teeth being ground together as an outlet of 
rage. 

And another thing, you mustn’t think Peggy an 
atheist, or anything like that. Talk to her yourself, draw 
her out, and judge accordingly. It’s not for me to say, 
maybe, but if I had to point out a Christian, I’d pick 
little Peggy, even if she does take the words of our Lord 
seriously when he says, ^Believe on the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’ And so believing, and 


PRETTY PEGGY O 107 

therefore knowing herself saved, and Heaven bent, why 
should she worry her pretty head about Hell ? 

Dr. McLane lay quiet, in such deep thought that his 
friend believed him, sleeping with open eyes. As he 
moved, however, to leave the room, he turned his head, 
and said, just one moment, Billy; Pll do it, Pll speak 
to Peggy the first opportunity I get, but if you^re not in 
a hurry, Vd like to speak to you for a moment. Perhaps, 
you donT know, but I, supposing Mrs. Beverley chate- 
laine of this establishment, and realizing that I’m not 
only causing a lot of trouble, but that Pm apt to be kept 
here for a longer time than I care to think of, I ap- 
proached the lady as delicately as possible on the subject 
of paying board.” 

Dr. Martineau shook his rumpled head, but remained 
silent and his friend continued, of course I know I get 
a lot that money can’t pay for; the kindly hospitality 
of these people is beautiful, and it seems as spontaneous 
as sunlight too, but there are three of us, besides the 
nurse and Felix’s man, and we can’t quarter ourselves 
upon utter strangers for anything like the time this 
accident threatens to keep me bed-ridden ; so, as I said, 
I spoke to Mrs. Beverley several days ago, and after the 
refusal I had looked for, she allowed me to persuade her 
to accept a small weekly sum, (about the amount one ex- 
pects to pay for a suite at the Waldorf, but no matter) 
for I’m really obliged to them for allowing me to place 
things on a business footing; the obligation is too great, 
otherwise.” 

Dr. Martineau walked the length of the great room 
three times before he answered. I’ll wager my bank 
account that Peggy knows nothing about it,” he said at 
last. And another thing. I’ll wager that she never gets 
a penny of the money.” 

Well,” said Dr. McLane, so long as I pay, my con- 
science is clear. Still, I don’t like to do anything under- 
hand about it. What do you think, eh? ” 


io8 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Dr. Martineau thought with such concentration of 
effort that he almost choked in his collar, and after 
several minutes said, ^^It^s not fair to keep her in the 
dark, Mac, it is burdening her with an obligation which 
she may resent, so I tell you what let^s do. Fd call her 
now, but she^s off to Kingsgift by daylight these days, so 
suppose we say to-morrow after Church. Fll come home 
with her, and she and I will pay you a visit, and you can 
tell her what you have done, and what you wish to do, 
and she can decide for herself. How^s that ? 

Famous,^^ replied the other, and I^m much obliged 
to you for standing by me in the matter, for I rather 
think therein be — er 

^^Wigs on the green, eh?^^ supplemented the doctor. 
^^Well, they wonH be ours, and I think we can trust 
Peggy to keep her hair on, too, but I shouldn’t be sur- 
prised to see the fair Lulu sailing under bare poles. 
Darn Devil, what a sight ! ” And with many chuckles 
Dr. Martineau took his departure. 


109 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER VIII. 

Good-morning^ Pretty Peggy 0 ! ” said Dr. Mar- 
tineau the next morning, as he met her coming through 
the wicket gate which opened from her garden into the 
Churchyard. I should like to make a date with you, 
young lady. ThaPs the modern fashion of confiding that 
Vd like to see you after Church, isn^t it? 

Pm always happy to accommodate,^^ replied Peggy, 
slipping her hand through his arm, and smiling up in his 
face. ^^You comforting old somebody she laughed, 
squeezing his arm, and giving a little skip to catch step ; 
^^TJnc^ Billy-boy, you^re as wholesome as sunlight. I 
always feel so happy and safe when Fm- with you. 
ArenT you glad? Don^t you like to have compliments 
from this ornament of society and loveliest of her sex ? 

Eight 0 ! responded the doctor heartily. In fact 
weVe set up a mutual admiration society, eh, Peggy?’ 
Vll meet you in the vestibule, for I want to go over and 
see McLane,^^ he whispered, as they parted at the foot of 
the steps which led to the little gallery sacred to the 
organ and the choir. 

Peggy had taken her father’s place as organist in the 
little Church which had been built by the Beverleys, 
and given to Oglethorpe more than a hundred years 
before. 

And as for the Beverleys, as a family, they had been 
always music mad. The organ installed so long ago, was 
still in condition to accompany the efforts of the volun- 
teer choir, and please the uncritical ears of those who 
had sat beneath its notes for as many years as they could 
count themselves Church goers. 


no 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


And to Peggy herself, the old instrument was a 
never failing delight. She was a natural musician, but 
had been thoroughly taught by her father as well, and 
many a day which seemed hopelessly crumpled by house- 
hold dissension, had been smoothed and glorified by the 
hours spent alone with the instrument she loved best. 

Felix listened entranced to her playing, and with what 
patience he could to the extravagant attempts of the 
choir in the matter of classic recital. The Service was at 
an end before Amy entered and joined the reproachful 
singers; but with smiling nonchalance she nodded a 
greeting and seated herself to listen with the small part 
of one ear to the discourse of Dr. Draper, while she gave 
the rest of her mind to a study of Mrs. McLane^s toilette, 
deciding to reproduce it with certain modifications, for 
the benefit of her mother. 

But when the Sermon was over, and such members of 
the congregation as were present had been thorougly 
belabored in the interests of those who stayed at home, 
and when the Clergyman stepped down to hand the two 
vestry-men the great silver plates, on which the Beverley 
arms were engraved much more conspicuously than the 
inscription which dedicated their presentation to the 
Church ; Amy arose, and after a few soft chords from the 
organ, began to sing. The good folk of Oglethorpe were 
used to her singing, but to Mrs. McLane and her son, 
it was a revelation and a delight. Higher and higher 
rose the full, rich voice, so clear and true, and with such 
wonderful expression that Felix held his breath and won- 
dered if this could indeed be the laughter-loving girl he 
had jested with only that morning. And when the last 
haunting note had been breathed upon the still air, he 
Oent forward and pretended to pick up a fallen book, 
that he might hide the sudden rush of tears which filled 
his eyes. 

Peggy dear,^^ said Dr. Martineau, as she joined him 
in the vestibule after playing the congregation clear of 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


III 


the Church, want to introduce you to my sister. 
Alister, this is my little ward, Margaret Beverley. I 
know youVe heard me speak of her, eh ? 

Speak ! echoed Miss Martineau, as Peggy came for- 
ward with smiling face and outstretched hand. Speak ! 
Why he has no other topic of conversation ! I often tell 
him, ^ I say, William, I say, you may be very fond of 
Miss Beverley, and she is no doubt the charming crea- 
ture you represent, but remember, William, everybody 
basnet the pleasure of her acquaintance, so the topic may 
become tiresome ! ^ But good gracious me ! Men don^t 
care what women say, so long as they have their own 
way. Thaf s man, all over ! And Miss Martineau 
turned her long wrinkled face, and faded blue eyes on 
Peggy, as she emphasized the period with something 
between a snatch and a gasp, evidently the result of 
defiant teeth which took every opportunity to slip their 
moorings, and see the world for themselves. 

Fve been promising myself a call, Miss Martineau,” 
said Peggy, as the lady removed the limp hand she had 
laid in hers, but IJncle Doctor can tell you, I^m a man 
of business these days, and this is a very exacting time 
of year; but I hope to see you some day this week, at 
any rate. This is your first visit to Oglethorpe, isn’t 
it?” 

Yes, my first and last,” she said, for no matter how 
I may detest it, I feel it my duty to stay, and see that 
William Martineau doesn’t ruin himself by his helter- 
skelter housekeeping and wicked self-indulgence. Yes, 
I’m here to stay, so you may take your time about call- 
ing. Not that I won’t be glad to see you, but you needn’t 
put yourself out. Come, William, we’re the last people 
here, and the man wants to shut up the Church.” 

^^I’ve a visit to make along the bluff before going 
home,” objected the doctor meekly, so don’t wait. I’ll 
be along after a while.” 

Now, look at that, Miss Beverley ! Didn’t I tell you 


112 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


how unsystematic he is? And here Fve loitered till 
everybody's gone ! How trying you are, William ! Well, 
youM better not stay long. Good-day.^^ And Miss 
Martineau walked down the path to the gate with a step 
which she fondly thought the graceful gait of a girl of 
twenty, but which alone would have betrayed the fact 
that she was her brothers senior by a score of years. 

hTeither spoke until she was out of hearing, then tuck- 
ing her hand in his arm Peggy said, come along line’ 
Billy-boy. Do you forget you^ve a date with me? Pm 
on fire with curiosity to hear what youVe got to say. I 
could hardly keep my mind on the Sermon. Honest 
injun, I couldn^t ! 

^^Well, you didn^t miss much, anyhow,^^ he replied 
wearily. Pve got to go up and see McLane for a min- 
ute. Come with me, will you Chickadee ? I want him to 
see you in that rig out. You^re stunning Peggy. I don^t 
believe he ever saw such gorgeousness ! 

Oh, you poor, benighted heathen, laughed Peggy. 

You call this a rig out ? Why, you could buy me as I 
stand, barring my ^ jools ^ for twenty-five dollars. Yes, 
and Pd be dear at the price, too ! 

You^re always dear, and you know it, you little grub- 
ber for compliments. Come, Lady love, lefs get the 
visit over,^^ and the two friends went hand in hand 
through the Churchyard, and up to Dr. McLane^s room 
together. 

Well, Eitter, how goes it? You’re better, I can see 
it with half an eye,” said Dr. Martineau as they entered. 

Here, Peggy, you shall have this old wing chair, and 
Pll sit here. What sort of night, Mac ? ” 

So, so,” replied the sick man, but I’m improving 
every day. I really feel wonderfully well, considering 
the reasons Pve got for feeling otherwise. If it were not 
for this cracked b^one, I could be out of doors to-morrow,” 
and Dr. McLane gave an impatient jerk at the coverlet, 
for he was an active man when -he was well, and man- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 113 

like, whether active or otherwise, resented the tedium of 
the sick-room. 

Peggy sat quietly in the big, blue chair, her hat in her 
lap, and her shining hair like a glory around her face. 
She was wondering absently why Dr. Martineau had 
brought her there, when he got up, and going over to the 
door, looked out, then closed it and turned the key. 

Don^t be surprised at such efforts at secrecy,” he 
said smiling, as he came back to her, but Dr. McLane 
wants to talk to you a while, and I thought Pd better 
guard against interruption.” 

Peggy turned her great dark eyes on Dr. McLane. 
She was startled, and during the few seconds that he 
hesitated, uncertain as to how he should word his dis- 
closure, she ran over the events of his stay under her 
roof, and wondered if there had been anything to dis- 
please him. 

But before she could disentangle her thoughts, the old 
man spoke, and his first words were so surprising that 
she forgot her uneasiness. 

I wonder if you will let me call you Peggy,” he said 
gently. It is such a dear, quaint, little name, and Pve 
never known anyone who bore it except the girl in the 
song. May I ? ” 

Why, Pm flattered — pleased — so very glad that you 
should want to,” she stammered. I beg you will never 
call me anything else ! ” 

Thank you, my dear,” he said smiling at her. So 
Peggy dear, I want to confess, and I beg you will be 
patient with an old man^s mistake. 

I must tell you that I have felt a little uncomfortable 
at the extent of our obligation to you, — ^yes — I know — 
as she started to speak, but if youfil put yourself in our 
places, you^ll see that iPs pretty natural after all, for 
while we aren^t the first people to be rescued from a 
drenched sand-bar, and hospitably received, and made 
presentable, you must acknowledge that there are few 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


114 

ship-wrecked mariners who sit down, five deep, under 
the roof of their deliverers, and pile weeks into months, 
until their visit assumes the proportions of a life right ! 

Oh, I beg you wonT talk like thaV^ cried Peggy. 

You canT think how it pains me ! Why, you are a 
blessing; a windfall in every sense — and besides, being 
Uncle Doctor^s friend, you^re doubly welcome. Do be- 
lieve me ! 

I am only too glad to believe you, child, but your 
hospitality doesn^t relieve the obligation, though I con- 
fess it mitigates it. But this isn’t all I had to say. I 
want to tell you that some little while ago, feeling this 
obligation as we did, I spoke to Mrs. Beverley, not know- 
ing that you were the mistress here, and after some con- 
versation, she very kindly allowed me to place matters on 
a financial footing.” Dr. McLane paused for a moment, 
but Peggy did not speak. Her face was white to the lips, 
and her eyes blazed like stars, but she sat quite still, and 
the old man continued. 

I did not know until yesterday, my dear, that mat- 
ters are as they are. Our good friend Dr. Martineau 
explained many things to me, and I felt that I ought to 
speak to you, to justify my action in approaching Mrs. 
Beverley instead of yourself, and also I wish to ask you, 
as a favor, to allow the financial part of the episode to 
stand — as you will, I hope? ” 

You are very kind,” said Peggy, in a strained voice. 

appreciate your position, and I believe you under- 
stand mine. Dr. McLane, please don’t ask me to take 
money from a friend. Please — It seems like a desecra- 
tion of my home. Oh, and I’m ’shamed — ^shamed 
that my father’s wife should — should — ^her name was 
Beverley before she married, but it’s his name she’s soil- 
ing now. And it kills me to see her always pushing for 
my place; sometimes I get so tired that I’m almost 
ready to step down and out — then I think of Daddy, 
and I’m brave again,” and Peggy held her hand to her 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


IIS 

throat, which ached with the tears she was struggling to 
hold back. 

Peggy love,^^ said Dr. Martineau, Pm afraid Mrs. 
Beverley has already accepted a rather large sum in ad- 
vance. I hate to tell you, daughter, but iPs right that 
you should know.^^ 

Thank you, Dockelly,^^ she replied, a wave of crim- 
son flooding her face from throat to brow, and leaving 
it whiter than before. ^^Will you gentlemen kindly 
excuse me now ? ” she asked rising. I must speak to 
^Te Lulu at once, before I lose my self-control. Dr. 
McLane, I canT thank you sufficiently for telling me the 
truth about this. You speak of obligations ! IPs on the 
other side, I think. Perhaps, if you arenT tired, I may 
come back for a moment, when I\e seen ’Te Lulu? I 
thank you very much,^^ and Peggy walked quietly from 
the room, while Dr. Martineau rumpled his hair furi- 
ously with both hands, and Dr. McLane longed for the 
safety-valve of action. 

Peggy crossed the great hall and knocked softly on 
Mrs. Beverley^s door. 

Come in,^^ called that lady, who was changing from 
her Church-going silk, to the gown she found good 
enough for home wear. 

Peggy came up the room behind her, and her step- 
mother caught sight of her face in the mirror before she 
spoke. 

Whirling about, she faced the girl, and realizing the 
situation, determined to carry the war into the enemy’s 
country at once. 

Great Heaven and Earth, Mag Beverley,” she cried, 
her face growing a dull purple, ^^how dare you come 
sneaking into my room so quietly and trying to frighten 
me into one of my heart spells! What do you want? 
You stand there glaring like 

It makes no difference — I didn’t come to talk about 
that,” said Peggy. ^^’Te Lulu, Dr. McLane has just 


ii6 PRETTY PEGGY O 

told me that, believing you the mistress here, he offered 
you board money, which you accepted. Is this true ? 

‘^Why, what on earth are you talking about 
screamed Mrs. Beverley. If s just your shameless way, 

Mag Beverley, to pry about, and try to find out things 
against me, and to join with strangers to disgrace your 
own fathef s wife — Oh ! Oh ! My heart ! 

And Mrs. Beverley threw herself on the couch and 
began the preliminaries of a case of heart trouble, plus 
hysterics, which she trusted would turn Pegg/s atten- 
tion from such little matters as her negotiation with her 
guests. 

But Peggy was beyond sympathy. Shaking her arm, 
she said in a low, tense voice, ^Te Lulu ! Behave your- 
self ! Don^t let these people hear you ! YouVe disgraced 
our name sufficiently as it is — now, be quiet.^^ 

Convinced that she could not escape a battle, Mrs. 
Beverley sat up, and said suddenly — well, go on — ^how 
many more lies have you been listening to ? 

If s just to find out whether they are lies or not that 
Pve come to you,^^ replied Peggy. Now, answer me. 
Did you allow Dr. McLane to propose paying board in 
my house, and after pretended hesitation, accept money 
from him in advance ? 

No,^^ replied Mrs. Beverley, boldly, you’re entirely 
mistaken, and I think ifs just another example of your 
mean selfishness to listen to tales about your poor 
fathef s wife ! ” And Mrs. Beverley fumbled for her 
handkerchief. 

I am thankful to hear you say ifs false,” said Peg^. 

Now fasten your gown please, for you are going with 
me into Dr. McLane’s room, and tell him what you’ve 
told me. There’s a mistake somewhere, and I’ll never 
stop until I find it. Come on. Hurry.” 

I’ll do nothing of the kind,” responded Mrs. Bever- 
ley. ^^What do you take me for, you idiot? Do you 
think I’m going to be brought to book and explain my 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 117 

actions to a broken-legged Yankee who is simply bent on 
making trouble? YouVe gone far enough, Mag Bever- 
ley, and if you donT behave yourself, and let this mat- 
ter drop, you^ll find yourself in plenty of hot water. 
Row get out of my room — V\l not hear another word 
from you ! 

^^Youfil have to hear a few more. Pm afraid,^^ said 
Peggy, grimly. If you^re entirely innocent, there^s no 
reason why you shouldn’t come and explain matters to 
Dr. McLane. And if you don’t come, and at once. I’ll 
go to the door and call Uncle Doctor, to hear you swear 
that you have had no such dealings. Will you come ? ” 
‘^Ro, I won’t! I won’t speak to either of your old 
doctors, and I tell you, leave my room, do you hear me ? ” 
^^Yes, I hear, and I’m sorry to have to remind you 
that this room is mine, not yours. That is the very es- 
sence of this controversy, ’Te Lulu,” said Peggy, and 
if you refuse to come and speak to Dr. McLane, I shall 
be forced to believe that his statement is correct. Will 
you come ? ” 

I declare to God, Mag Beverley,” shrieked her step- 
mother, too furious now to consider consequences, 
you’ll drive me mad with your foolishness. What’s it 
all about, anyhow ? Suppose I did take board money ; I 
don’t say I did, but suppose; it’s no crime, is it? I’m 
sure anybody else would have taken it, yes, and asked for 
more ! ” 

^^You acknowledge, then, that you took it?” said 
Peggy, hardly above a whisper. Very well. You have 
lied to me; you have obtained money where you had no 
right to accept it, for you knew the man did not under- 
stand that you, too, are a guest in my house. Row, I 
tell you once for all, it is to be made clear to everyone 
that I am mistress, and if you ever try to undermine my 
authority or to supersede me in any way, you shall never 
sleep another night beneath my roof. Give me the 
money, please, I wish to return it.” 


ii8 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

Look here, Mag, he doesn^t want it ; he’s as rich as 
mud. Let well enough alone. And do leave me; I feel 
too ill for any more talk to-day. Pm suffering ; you must 
go away,” and Mrs. Beverley leaned back among the 
cushions with her handkerchief to her eyes. 

Give me the money, please,” repeated Peggy quietly. 

Good Lord, Almighty ! ” fretted her stepmother. I 
tell you Pm ill. If you don’t go away I shall scream ! 
Go!” 

Scream then, but give me that money,” replied 
Peggy, firmly. If you don’t give it to me at once, I 
will call Dr. Martineau to stay here while I search the 
room. Will you give it to me?” 

^^I can’t,” wailed Mrs. Beverley, ^^at least not all. 
You see 

Do you mean to say you’ve spent it ? ” cried Peggy, 
giving a little shake to the quivering shoulders. For 
the sake of what little reputation you’ve got, please tell 
me the truth — for once ! For I’ve got to replace this 
money, and Pm going to have it done correctly. How 
much have you spent? ” 

Only seventy dollars ; I declare that’s all, and I’m so 
out at elbows I simply had to have some things,” replied 
Mrs. Beverley, sullenly. Well, what are you going to 
do about it ? ” 

I’ll take what you have left, and add seventy dollars 
from the rent I owe for your half of Kingsgift,” an- 
swered Peggy ^^and” — ^^she paused and thought a 
moment — ^^and I shall tell Dr. McLane it was all a 
mistake. For the sake of the name you were bom with, 
I shall not let him see what I think of you, and I’ll hide 
my anger and my shame from everyone but you. Now, 
give me what you have left, please. I’ve been here too 
long already.” 

Mrs. Beverley went slowly to her dressing-table, and 
reaching far back in one of the drawers, drew out a roll 
of bills which she handed to Peggy. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


1 19 

Murder ! ejaculated Peggy as she opened them. I 
never saw so much money in my life ! 

^^No, and you won^t again/^ sneered her stepmother; 
you^ro one of these hateful people who go through life 
sopping sympathy like a sponge; you weary the very 
Heavens with your gabble about honor and honesty, and 
pat yourself on the head because you think you^re the 
guardian of every virtue, but you^ll never have sense 
enough to make a penny, as I was trying to make it for 
you, and you^ll pose as an unrewarded angel, while you^ll 
be the laughing-stock of all sensible people. Go ahead ! 
but don^t say I didn^t warn you, and try to help you. 
You^re the very double of the poor failure you had for 
a father ! ” 

Hush ! cried Peggy, angrier now than she had ever 
been in her life ; don^t dare mention my f ather^s name ! 
After what he did for you — and your fatherless child — 
I haven’t words ! ” and with her head held high, and 
cheeks scarlet with rage, she carried the money across 
the hall into Dr. McLane’s room. 


120 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


CHAPTER IX. 

About the middle of November, Oglethorpe was 
treated to a light frost, just enough to add a tonic touch 
to the sea breeze, and make a blazing hearth a luxury, 
though not a necessity. On the day before Thanksgiving, 
the houses along the bluff echoed the whistle of a 
steamer, and soon after, a yacht, not large, but exquis- 
itely proportioned, and flying the flag of the Club, 

was seen feeling for the channel as she passed around the 
great sand-bank which closed two-thirds of the river’s 
mouth. 

Once inside, the vessel steamed swiftly past the village 
and disappeared into the cove below Paradise, where the 
new owners had built a boat-house, and over which had 
been placed a rustic bridge which connected the estate 
with the mainland, and shortened the distance to the vil- 
lage by three miles; pedestrians having heretofore had 
to follow the cove until it faded into a shallow depression 
which could be crossed at will. 

Well, and how do you like it, as far as you’ve got ? ” 
asked the new owner as he paused for a moment hj his 
wife’s couch. She was not a pretty woman, but the look 
of whole-souled adoration with which she turned to her 
husband, transflgured her honest face, and gave it a 
beauty beyond anything to be attained by regularity of 
feature. She drew a long breath of contentment as she 
replied ; Oh, Charlie, it’s rightly named ! I’ve never 
been so in love with a place in my life ! You know I’m 
used to big houses, and beautiful ones, too,. but I’ve 
never seen anything just like this ! If anything on earth 
can make me well, it’s this house, with its funny, old- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


I2I 


fashioned furniture, and its garden, which looks as if 
George Washington might have taken his dish of tea out 
there in the shade. Charlie, dear, I know Pm going to 
get well here, and thaPs the best of all ! 

It sure is,” he said, patting the hand which years of 
busy manicuring had failed to beautify ; and when that 
happens, the place will have paid for itself over and 
over.” 

He smiled kindly at her, then walked to a window 
through which came the glow of sunset, imaged in 
smooth, clear water. 

J ove ! ” he said, it is a fine place ! But iPs well we 
brought a crowd with us, and that more will be coming 
soon, for of all the remoteness ! Beverley and I are go- 
ing to have a look around before dinner. Sue, think you 
can take a nap? All the womenites are in their rooms, 
sprucing up, so you wonT be bothered, and the men won^t 
come in here, unless you ask them ; so take a good rest. 
By-by.” 

But with his hand on the door, his wife called him 
back ; Charlie,” she said shyly, the bright red spots on 
her hollow cheeks spreading over her face, come here, 
boy, kiss me before you go, wonT you ? This is the first 
kiss Pve had in Paradise ! ” 

She clung to him for a moment, then as the hard rack- 
ing cough shook her again, let him go, and with eyes 
glamored by affection, saw him leave the room. 

The two men walked briskly across the bridge and 
struck a footpath leading to the village. They tvere in- 
terested in their surroundings, which were entirely new 
to both, for though Beverley came of Virginia parentage, 
this was his first sight of the land south of the Line. 

^^What a curiosity,” he said, stopping at the gate 
leading into the Churchyard ; Do you notice that all 
these huge houses face the river, and turn their backs on 
the only means of approach? and look, the streets, or 
roads, or whatever they call them, run inland from these 


122 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


same scornful residences; there^s nothing parallel, ex- 
cept this cow track. Evidently this is a town whose 
aristocracy allows no intrusion ! 

Worthington laughed. There you go with your par- 
allels and angles. I never knew a fellow who kept his 
calling so in evidence ! Why, if you had a medal as big 
as a pie-dish hung around your neck, with your attain- 
ments and qualifications neatly engraved on the face of 
it, you couldn’t be more patently an engineer than you 
are. Did you ever have two ideas at a time, I wonder ? ” 

Yes, hundreds. That’s why they’re so jumbled you 
only see the general trend of them. Let’s go in and read 
the epitaphs — ^ Here lies his head upon the lap of Earth,’ 
and that sort of hilarity. Coming ? ” 

Might as well,” replied the other, entering the gate 
his companion held open for him. It’s a gruesome in- 
troduction to the neighborhood, but I doubt if these fel- 
lows in here are much deader than their mourning 
friends on the bluff. Damn ! ” said Mr. Worthington 
genially. I wonder what it feels like to be a 
mummy ? ” 

Don’t trouble about that,” said his friend. You 
may go up in a chariot of fire, or burst from over activ- 
ity, but you won’t dry up — ^you keep your carcass too 
thoroughly saturated for any mummification — ^hello ! 
look here ! I’ve found a relation.” And John Beverley 
stopped short at the stone which had been raised ^ To the 
memory of Beverley Catherwood Beverley in the fifty- 
second year of his age ’ — Whew ! Short and sweet. I 
wonder if he’s one of our crowd ? ” And the living 
Beverley stood by the grave of the dead Beverley and 
thought. 

Seems to me,” he said finally, that I’ve heard of 
a branch of our family in South Carolina, but I’m not 
sure — anyhow, this fellow won’t trouble me by claiming 
kin — ^here — there goes a fellow we might ask.” And 
Beverley being impulsive, stepped back into the path and 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


123 

called to Stratagem, who was passing with a bag of 
oysters over his shoulder. 

Hi you/^ called the young man, putting his hand in 
his pocket, and feeling about for something in the way of 
small change. Look here, do you know any people by 
the name of Beverley around here ? ” 

Stratagem scraped his foot, and pushed back his 
cap, that he might do duty hj his forelock as well. 

BeVly ? Do Massa ! Why de BeVlys is de most 
greatest fam^bly on dis here yearth, yes s^r. DaPs Mas 
Beb^ly’s grabe wha^ you bin a fin in de Chu’chya’d, an^ 
daPs dey house next de Church, yes s’r.^^ 

Thank you, here,^^ and the questioner crossed the 
palm Stratagem held out, and was about to go, when 
Worthington spoke. Anybody live there now?^^ he 
asked, nodding his head towards the house indicated. 

Do Massa ! expostulated Stratagem. Ain’ Miss 
Peggy dey, and Miss Amy ? And Miss Beb’ly too ? An’ 
we all has company dis long time, case de people wha’ was 
drownded on de sand-bank out dey in de gre’t storm, bin 
a stay wid we all eber sence, yes s’r, case de ole genPman 
done brek he laig, an’ he can’t trabble to he house some’rs 
a far way off — not yet — no s’r.” 

You speak as if you lived there too,” said Beverley 
smiling. 

^^Who, me?” asked the man. ^^Why, whey else I 
got ’a live, Massa ? Dis here de my home, ’cose I libes 
here ! ” And Stratagem smiled with an abandon which 
seemed to raise the top of his head like a lid. 

“ Any shooting around here ? ” asked Beverley as they 
left the Churchyard. 

^^Well, not wha’ you might call shootin*/* admitted 
Stratagem. Dey’s duck a plenty ober in de rice fiel’s, 
an’ pa’tridge ’tween here and de ribber, all ’long dat 
stretch o’ high Ian’ wha’ de road runs through — yes s’r — 
an’ dey’s snipe in the swamps when de groun’s right fer 
’em to feed dey. I got twenty-three ducks ober back o’ 


124 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


dat island las^ night,” he went on with a chuckle, dey’s 
a ole fieF wha^ been full o’ volunteer rice, an’ it all scatter 
ober de groun’ like he al’us do when he ain’ been plant 
right — an’ de ducks come so thick sometime, yo’ mos’ 
can’t see de water fo’ ’em. When yo’ got a good night, 
yo’ can’t scasely miss ducks,” he continued, but de mos’ 
we all ketch roun’ here is fish. Dis here’s a powerful fine 
place fer fish, it sho’ is.” 

It sounds like a powerful good place for pretty much 
everything,” said Beverley. ^^Look here, Charlie, let’s 
get this fellow to take us over to the duck fields, shall 
we? ” 

I was just about to suggest it,” answered the other. 

See here ” — turning to Stratagem — can you row us 
over to the place where you find the ducks, and get us a 
good cover ? ” 

Yes s’r,” grinned Stratagem, I sho’ can, but ef yo’ 
want ducks, yo’ bes’ wait fo’ a big win’. Dey can’t hear 
you when de win’s high, an’ sometime he look like he 
fair rain duck when yo’ gits in a good flock ! ” 

Well, look here. I’m named Worthington — ^the man 
who bought Paradise, you know — now the first time you 
think we’ll have good sport, you let me know, and I’ll 
pay you well. What time do you generally go ? ” 

Jes’ fo’ da’k, Massa — dat’s de time I tries it,” re- 
plied Stratagem, ^^but when dey’s a hard rain, an’ de 
win’s high, de duck seem lak dey ain’t got de sense fo’ 
sense trouble, an’ yo’ can fair fill de boat wid ’em. But 
if it blows purty well to-morrow ebenin’ I sho’ guine tek 
yo’ fo’ see fo’ yp’ self, dat’s to say ef Miss Peggy ain’t 
want me to do nothin’ fo’ her.” 

^^Why? Do you work after hours?” asked Worth- 
ington in surprise. I thought you said, about dark ? ” 
Ho s’r, I ain’t never work after hours,” replied the 
negro. I jes’ do wha’ Miss Peggy tell me, an’ ef I 
sick, or de wedder’s cole, she won’t let we wuk ’tall. No 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


125 

All right, then. Report when you^re ready. By the 
way, whaf s your name ? 

Stratagem Fountain s^r,^^ announced the man. 

Thank yo^ s’r, thank — with great play of teeth, 

foot, and forelock, as he accepted the offered coins. 

What did you say your name was ? asked Worth- 
ington — Strat ? 

^^Yes s^r, yes s^r,^^ smiled Stratagem, ^^dat de my 
name, yes s^r. Stratagem Fountain, yes s’r, good-night ! ” 
And shouldering the bag of oysters, which he had laid at 
his feet during the conversation. Stratagem walked off, 
while the two white men turned back on the path to 
Paradise. 

The Western sky was darkening from rosy gold to 
amethyst as they reached the garden, and high in the 
heavens hung a crescent moon, beneath which blazed the 
evening star. The river lay like an opal before them, 
its slow motion imperceptible to the eye, and its surface 
unruffled by the soft breath which came in from the sea. 

As they stood on the high bluff, and looked far off 
where sky and water met, they heard the sound of sing- 
ing, and presently, as they listened, a boat shot into view 
— a small boat, sculled by a woman, who stood erect in 
the stern, her lissom young body outlined against the 
darkening sky, and her bare head crowned by an aureole 
of red-gold hair. As she leaned against the sculling oar 
she sang, and the words, as well as the music, came sweet 
and clear to the listening men 

Swing low, sweet chariot, 

Chariot de come for me ! 

Swing low, sweet chariot. 

Chariot de come for me ! 

Oh dig my grave 
Wid a silver spade, 

An^ a golden chain 
Quine let me down.” 


126 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


The old plantation spiritual, with its haunting melody, 
and the girFs rich young voice, which seemed as spon- 
taneous as the singing of a bird, grew fainter till all 
echo of it ceased, yet still the men stood silent. Then 
with one accord they turned toward the house, each car- 
rying in his mind the picture of the gliding boat, with 
the graceful, swinging figure of the girl at the oar, and 
with his heart thrilling to the beauty and pathos of her 
voice. 

It goes without saying, that all Oglethorpe called at 
Paradise. For, as Miss Lavinia Davidson said to Miss 
Lavinia Sweeny, we must not stand aloof just because 
they are Northerners. We must remember they are now 
neighbors, and extend a welcoming hand ! And Miss 
Davidson extended her small wrinlded hand with a 
heeling stocking, and a pair of knitting needles in 
its mittened grasp to show how the action should be per- 
formed. 

You are quite righV^ chimed in Miss Sweeny. As 
I always say, patriotism is an accident of birth. If we 
had been born in New England, we should doubtless 
have disapproved of Secession, and have considered the 
course of president Lincoln quite right. Happily, we 
had no such ill-luck, though for my part, I have always 
believed president Lincoln a good man, and Fve heard 
my dear father say many a time, that his death was the 
most dreadful thing that could have happened to the 
South at that time. You know my father 

Yes, yes, I know,^^ responded Miss Lavinia Davidson 
quickly, ^^but speaking of Northerners in general, and 
these Worthingtons in particular, donT you think some- 
body ought to entertain them a bit? Just to break the 
ice, you know, and to make them feel at home ? 

There is no doubt about it,^^ replied Miss Sweeny, 
^^but the question is, who? Entertaining is so expen- 
sive. Even when you make the cake at home, and leave 
out the wine ; give tea instead, you know.^^ 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


127 


In fact, everything is expensive when one^s a pau- 
per ! said her cousin savagely. The Beverleys could 
do it if they would, but they wonT. I donT like to be 
uncharitable, Lavinia, but even if she would consent to 
spend the money, Mrs. Beverley is hardly the woman to 
take social precedence in a place like Oglethorpe! No 
— I\e reviewed the situation many times, and I fear 
the finger of Fate points relentlessly to you and me ! 

And Miss Sweeny tossed her head with pride while 
she lowered her eyelids with meekness, and waited for 
Miss Davidson’s decision with patience. 

I realize,” began that lady, that it is our duty to 
do so if we can. Oglethorpe has always been noted for 
its hopitality, and its prestige must not suffer because 
of our selfish refusal to sacrifice some little luxury,” and 
the poor lady sighed as she thought of the comforts 
which had long ago followed the luxuries, leaving only 
barest necessities, in her possession. 

Lavinia,” she said at last, ^^Pm afraid it means 
lace ! The diamonds went years ago, and I can’t spare 
any more silver without it showing. But I’ll never wear 
that Point flounce ” 

No — but you must remember how long it takes to 
dispose of such things, and we would not know where 
to apply,” and both ladies sighed helplessly. 

Lavinia,” said Miss Davidson at last, do you re- 
member reading on that old News and Courier that 
came wrapped around something Tim Halloran sent me 
for my missionary box, that it’s no longer fashionable 
to have much to eat at parties ? I recollect it as well as 
anything. It especially said that tea and thin bread and 
butter were the maximum of refreshments served in 
most exclusive circles. We might manage that much 
without parting with anything, eh ? ” 

What a head you have, Lavinia ! ” cried her cousin 
admiringly. I believe you would adorn the highest 
position in the administration ! Your idea is excellent 


128 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


— so refined ! And we^ll ask some of the younger girls 
to serve it. ThaPs also extremely fashionable, I^m told 
— indeed, if one didnT know better, one might think all 
the social leaders in need of retrenching, donT you 
think? Things were different in our day! What syl- 
labubs! And negus! What 

For the Lord^s sake, donH mention them,^^ said 
Miss Davidson fretfully. I dined early to-day — and 
the rice was soggy. Go on with the party ! 

^^Well, I think thaPs all, isn^t it?^^ responded Miss 
Sweeny meekly. We might have music, though? We 
could get the Beverley girls to play and sing, and maybe 
Missy Draper would recite, what do you think ? 

If I never have a guest beneath my roof, I won^t 
have any recitations,^^ said Miss Davidson solemnly. 

Never will I forget listening to that girl adding to the 
miseries of the Light Brigade. She charged with ^em — 
she sabered the gunners — and she wondered with the 
world! The only thing she missed sharing was their 
death, and that was what provoked us. DonH mention 
such a thing to me, Lavinia. I seldom allow myself to 
acknowledge a predjudice, but where there is a question 
of elocution, I am adamant!*' 

After much feverish consultation, it was decided to 
ask Mrs. Worthington to name the day, so, striking while 
the iron was at white heat, the two old ladies set aside 
the next afternoon for their visit. 

That Miss Davidson^s shawl was a camelshair, while 
Miss Sweeny’s was a Paisley, had so long raised a flicker 
of jealousy in the gentle breast of the latter lady, that 
it was only from habit that, as they left the house, she 
congratulated herself that although not so valuable a 
possession as a camelshair, her Paisley boasted a black 
center, while Miss Davidson’s was white. 

And white always seems so chilly, I think,” she con- 
fided for the hundredth time to the white center’s 
wearer, ^^one never uses a shawl unless it’s very cold, 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


129 


and then the white seems to me incongruous/^ and Miss 
Sweeny drew her Paisley close, for the sea breeze had an 
edge which required something warmer than either black 
or white center to keep out. 

Mrs. Worthington was better, and would see them, 
so they walked across the great hall to the drawing-room, 
every step fraught with recollections of their youth, and 
of the old house, which was then at its zenith. 

I wouldnT have believed it,^^ said Miss Davidson, as 
she shook the long, thin hand of the new owner. IPs 
the very same, yet with a bloom of restored youth which 
I find goes to my very heart. Oh, the times weVe had 
here, half a hundred years ago! Don’t you remember 
everything as if it were yesterday, Lavinia ? ” 

Hardly; you see I was younger,” replied Miss 
Sweeny, who never forgot the seven months’ difference 
in their ages. But I congratulate you, Mrs. Worthing- 
ton, for it’s a lovely old place, isn’t it ? ” 

Indeed, it is,” she replied, and I’m glad you think 
it isn’t changed. I told the Architect that if he made a 
single alteration, where it could be seen, I’d never pay 
his bill ! Of course we had to have heat put in all over 
the house, for I’m awfully susceptible to cold, and the 
rooms are too large to heat with just open fires, but the 
heaters don’t show, and I’m just in love with the whole 
place.” 

Her voice was hoarse, and she paused to cough, before 
she added, I told Charlie the first day we got here, that 
this is the very place to make me well, and I haven’t 
gone back on the prophecy, either.” 

I’m very glad you’re feeling stronger,” said Miss 
Sweeny, wondering in her heart that any woman who 
must be so care free in money matters should mind the 
pinch of ill health, ^^we are most anxious that you 
should like Oglethorpe.” 

^^And the people of Oglethorpe,” interposed Miss 
Davidson, who, now that the moment of invitation had 


130 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


come, felt herself seized with a nervous shudder, which 
shook the velvet pansies on her bonnet, until they 
seemed agitated by a high wind. And speaking of 
this,^^ she went on, taking her courage in both hands, 
for Miss Davidson had not entertained in even this in- 
finitesimal manner for all the many lean years which 
had followed the fall of her fortune and her country, and 
the matter was more momentous to her, than any 
amount of battle, murder, and sudden death, which might 
rage beyond her ken. 

Speaking of this, my cousin and I hoped you might 
be able to come over and have tea with us, some after- 
noon next week, and meet the few friends who make up 
the tale of Oglethorpe society/^ 

Why, iPs just lovely of you to ask me, and Fll come 
with pleasure, if I don^t have one of my horrid backsets,^^ 
cried Mrs. Worthington, touched by the evident good- 
will of the two withered women before her. 

Of course, you^ll bring your guests, we will be most 
happy to see them,^^ continued Miss Davidson. ^^Will 
Wednesday afternoon suit you?^^ 

Oh, any day, yes, Wednesday,^^ replied Mrs. Worth- 
ington ; all our crowd has gone out in the launch. I^m 
awfully sorry youVe missed them. I wanted to go my- 
self, dreadfully,^^ she acknowledged, with a laugh which 
ended in a spell of coughing, but Charlie is so careful 
of me, he keeps me out of every breath of wind. Wind 
goes through me no matter what I\e got on,^^ she con- 
fessed with a shrug, yet I look strong enough, don^t I ? 

The old cousins assured her of her appearance of 
health and strength, but when they had finally bowed 
themselves out, and were beyond the grounds of Para- 
dise, they were voluble in their expression of sympathy 
and despair. 

She^ll never get well here, or anywhere else, poor 
creature,^^ said Miss Davidson, pulling her shawl around 
her neck, and pinning it close beneath her chin. When 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


131 

on dress parade she allowed it to droop from her shoul- 
ders as she had worn it in those days when she had been 
considered to resemble the Empress Eugenie, both in 
face and figure, but on the footpath leading back to the 
village she sacrificed style to comfort, and drew the pro- 
tecting, if white-centered folds, tightly around her. 

^^You^re right, Lavinia, poor, poor woman,^^ replied 
Miss Sweeny. ^^What do you think of her, eh? She 
seemed a kindly, whole-souled, honest body, didn^t she? 
And sympathetic, too, but dear me! doesn^t she just 
adore that husband of hers ? I only hope it’s mutual,” 
and Miss Sweeny shook a doubtful head. 

Do you notice, Lavinia,” said Miss Davidson slowly, 
that kindly, and whole-souled, and honest, is the sort of 
description you’d give a eook, or somebody like that? 
and it strikes me, (though I hope you’ll never mention 
it,) that she is probably not Mr. Worthington’s social 
equal. Such things do happen, I know, and it’s quite 
possible she had money, though she hasn’t the appear- 
ance of it.” 

What sort of appearance does money give ? ” asked 
Miss Sweeny, I never supposed it showed, except in 
matters of dress,” and she sighed, for Miss Sweeny had 
what she called a pretty taste ” and the opportunities 
for displaying it were few and far between. 

I don’t know,” replied Miss Davidson thoughtfully, 
but when I see a woman with huge bones, and large 
hands and feet, I always imagine she has come of work- 
ing ancestry. And did you notice her hair? It was 

beautifully arranged, but it had the effect of — of 

^^Yes, I know what you mean, I think so myself,” 
cried Miss Sweeny, who seldom thought anything that 
had not first been thought by her cousin. ^ Look there, 
isn’t that Peggy Beverley going down the road? Let’s 
ask her if she’ll serve, shall we ? ” 

Suppose we do,” assented Miss Davidson. Peggy, 
oh, Peggy!” she called shrilly, and as Peggy turned, 
beckoned her to wait for them. 


132 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Peggy/^ she said as they caught up with her, rather 
out of breath, I want to speak to you. We^re asking 
a few people over to tea on Wednesday afternoon, and of 
course want Mrs. Beverley and you and Amy to come, 
and if you will bring your guests, we^ll be very much 
pleased.^^ 

Oh, thank you, Miss Lavinia,’^ cried Peggy, but I 
don^t think youM better count on us. You know,^^ she 
went on, flushing painfully, we haven^t gone out any- 
where since Daddy left us, and somehow, the very idea 
of meeting people seems a sort of sacrilege. You under- 
stand, don^t you ? 

Certainly, my dear,^^ replied Miss Davidson, while 
Miss Sweeny patted the girBs hand, ^^but I think you 
are wrong to give way to such morbid feelings. You 
know your father would have been the last person in the 
world to deprive you of any little innocent pleasure. I 
have a very selfish object in begging you come besides, 
for we want you to bring your violin, and we want both 
you and Amy to sing.^^ 

And to hand the tea, or help hand iV^ added Miss 
Sweeny. Indeed, Peggy, we count on both you and 
Amy to make things go. Do say that you will come ! 
And both ladies suddenly felt that they depended a 
great deal on the two Beverley girls, now that they 
seemed about to lose them. 

^^May I think about it for a little, please, before I 
answer ? asked Peggy. I would like to help, and of 
course IM play or anything, if I went, but I will run 
over to-morrow and tell you, mayn^t I? And Fll de- 
liver your invitation, of course. But even if I don^t ap- 
pear, I might help behind the scenes, and Miss Lavinia, 
if you need plants or anything like that, Fve got a 
maidenhair fern as big as a tub, and some palms and 
things. WouldnH you like me to send Stratagem over 
with them after dark, Tuesday? Fve raised that fern, 
since it had only three little baby leaves, and Fm proud 
of it. Do let me show it off in your rooms? 


133 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

^^You^re just as kind and ^nerous as your mother 
before you/^ replied Miss Davidson, emphatically. 

Yes, 1^11 use the plants with pleasure, but we want you 
yourself, child, so mind you, don^t disappoint us ! and 
the two old ladies, who felt the importance of their 
position, and that the eyes of the world were fixed on 
their entertainment, struck into the short cut which led 
to their walled garden, leaving Peggy to go on with her 
errand. 

The day set for the entertainment, always spoken of 
by the hostesses as ^^the party,^^ was everything to be 
wished for in the way of weather, and the early morning 
saw everything arranged in the great rooms dedicated to 
the reception of guests. 

By three o^clock the two old ladies were dressed, and 
had taken their places in the drawing-room, from which 
high position they made frequent excursions to the 
pantry where the tea was in the pot awaiting the water, 
and where the dainty, thin slices of bread and butter 
had been so long in readiness that they were torn by the 
fear of its becoming stale and tasteless. 

Me ! me ! ” sighed Miss Sweeny. The hour before 
iPs time for people to come is very trying ! Either you^re 
late, and in a perfect fever of preparation, or you^re 
early, and ready to fly into bits with the nervousness of 
inaction. I donT know which is the more disagreeable.^^ 

^^Well, iPs over now, anyhow,^^ said Miss Davidson 
nervously, ^^for here comes Lovey Overholme and the 
Drapers,^^ and with smiles of the best company charac- 
ter, Miss Davidson and Miss Sweeny advanced to meet 
their guests. 

Considering the meager population of Oglethorpe, the 
tea intended to break the social ice for the new owners 
of Paradise, was a success which filled the hearts of the 
originators with pride. Everybody who was anybody 
was there, and most people came early and stayed late. 
The strangers were never tired of praising the fine old 


134 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

house with its furnishings dating back to the time when 
Sir Amyas Hext made the estate — as it stood — a wedding 
present to his only daughter when she married the son of 
a colonial governor, and became, in due time the grand- 
mother of the two old ladies who now occupied it. 

But the feature of the afternoon was the music. 
N’either Peggy nor Amy was shy. Music was to Peggy 
the natural outlet of her nature, and she would as soon 
have though of refusing to sing or play, when asked, as 
she would have refused to answer a civil question with 
equal civility, while Amy sang as blithely, and as natu- 
rally, as a bird in a tree. 

Therefore, when Miss Davidson stopped by Peggy, 
who was pouring tea for the minister's fourth cup, and 
suggested that she should give them a little music, she 
rose at once and asked pleasantly. 

Certainly, Miss Lavinia — what shall it be ? I 
brought my violin with me, but, maybe you’d rather have 
something else — or shall I accompany Amy ? ” 

That can come next,” replied the old lady, fluttering 
with gratification and excitement, ^^but give us a tune 
or two on your fiddle first — there’s a dear girl.” 

Peggy left the room and crossed the hall to the de- 
serted closet beneath the steps where she had left her 
violin, and as she appeared with it. Dr. Martineau, who 
was about to leave, joined her. 

Darn Devil, Peggy, I’m glad I caught you ! I didn’t 
know you were going to tune up ! I’ve got a well man 
who thinks he’s dying, counting the minutes till I get to 
him ; and when I do get there I’m going to put a blister 
on his liver, and he’ll know then, whether he’s dead or 
alive ! But I’ll keep him in the dark a little longer if 
you’ll play La Paloma for me, eh ? ” 

I wonder if there’s anything I wouldn’t do for 
you ? ” laughed Peggy. Come in and back me up,” 
and she passed up the long room to the farther end, 
where she took her place in front of a great, carved 


PRETTY PEGGY O 135 

cabinet, black with age, which stood between the two 
windows. 

As the first notes pulsed through the still air, John 
Beverley moved across to a position from which he could 
see the player, in whom he recognized with surprise the 
girl who had sculled the boat past Paradise on the 
evening of his arrival. As Peggy finished, he came im- 
pulsively forward, holding out his hand as he spoke. 

Please let me thank you. Miss Beverley. I cannot 
tell you how much I have enjoyed your music, I am a 
most ignorant musician,^^ he laughed, I know a lot 
theoretically, but I can^t make a sound that doesn’t start 
your blood running cold. May I see your violin a mo- 
ment?” he asked, ^^yes, I thought so. There are not 
many genuine Strads in the world, but you have one of 
them, I think. What a beauty ! What a wonderful in- 
strument ! ” and he cuddled his face on it, and drew the 
bow noiselessly across the strings. 

Won’t you use it ? Do play ! ” said Peggy. It’s one 
of my greatest treasures, that violin. It Monged to my 
grandfather Beverley, and Daddy loved it too. Oh, I 
wish you had heard him play ! ” 

^^Just one more tune, Peggy,” cried Miss Sweeny, 
bustling up, and fairly glowing with the importance of 
her position. ^^You can talk to your kinsman after- 
wards. I know he’ll excuse you now,” and she hurried 
away to murmur in the ears of the party from Paradise 
all the compliments she had heard paid to the Beverley 
genius, feeling the pride of the showman, in that the 
music was made in her drawing-room, and the musi- 
cian was of her finding. 

^^I wonder if we are really related?” asked John, as 
Miss Sweeny pattered off. Won’t you help me trace it 
out, sometime ? I’d be awfully proud to find a connect- 
ing link.” 

Do, don’t put it that way,” cried Peggy laughing. 
It sounds so like the search for the link that remains 


136 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


missing ! and that’s not the sort of thing one wants in 
one’s own family; that should be reserved for one’s 
enemies! Now hush; I’ll have both Miss Lavinias’ 
after me, if I don’t begin. I played Paloma for Dr. 
Martineau’s benefit last time, hut I know the taste of 
my audience, and if I want appreciation, I must give 
them what they call ^ variations ’, which means any air 
one chooses to put up as the motif, then smash it to 
bits, and bind it together again with so many little trills, 
that I always feel as if I’m really reaching out for the 
glue. This way, listen ! ” 

And Peggy played; while the man who was told to 
listen, and who so loved music that he had never before 
missed a sound of that which gave him such deep pleas- 
ure, now lost all sense of time, and place, and hearing, 
and was so wholly engrossed by the beauty and grace 
of the girl beside him, that before he realized his po- 
sition, or thought of danger, he had laid his heart at 
her feet, and felt himself honored if she but stepped 
upon it. 

With a sudden rush of memory, he knew that she had 
lived in his mind since that afternoon when she had 
passed singing down the river, and without analyzing 
his sentiments he understood that he had fallen into a 
condition without reserve and without remedy. 

As Peggy ended with a shower of notes which fell 
from her bow as the dew is shaken from a spray of 
roses, she turned to her companion, and was about to 
speak, when she encountered his glance ; a glance so 
full of a sort of determined adoration, that for a sec- 
ond her heart seemed to stand still then throbbed with 
a sudden access of feeling which sent the virgin blood 
stinging to her cheeks, and dropped the long, black 
lashes over the surprised and startled look in her dark, 
gray eyes. 

can’t,” began John, but Peggy never heard what 
it was that he could not do, for as she raised her eyes. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


137 


Missy Draper passed a compelling arm about her shoul- 
ders, and giving her a hug from which she rescued her 
violin with difficulty, cried gaily, Thundering Sinai, 
but you sure can fiddle-de-dee. Peg Beverley ! Fd give a 
tooth, (an out-of-sight one, of course,) if I had your 
talent. Don^t you think she^s a genius, Mr. Beverley ? 
she asked, or are you relations, and therefore bound to 
be modest about family attainments ? Peggy, Miss La- 
vinia says you^re to get Amy to sing, and you’re to ac- 
company her, and then you must pipe up on your own 
hook. Hurry! She’s afraid the angels will go before 
they get their money’s worth. I’ll stay here and keep 
Mr. Beverley company.” And having accomplished her 
purpose. Miss Draper sank gracefully into the corner of 
a small sofa, and motioned Beverley to the seat beside 
her. 

^^Did you know you were one of the angelic host?” 
she asked, showing her big, white teeth in a broad smile. 

You’re from Paradise, aren’t you? so of course — don’t 
you see ? having been born in the odor of sanctity, even 
my jokes pertain to the cloth, and I’ve finally taken 
even my swear words from Bible sources, and in that 
way circumvented paternal disapproval.” 

Miss Draper had large, blue eyes, and a pompadour 
of colossal proportions, while her full, handsome figure 
was pulled into the correct number of inches, and ac- 
cented by a red ribbon, drawn through rhinestone slides. 

Where beaux were at a premium, there was little op- 
portunity for belleship, but Miss Draper proudly claimed 
the position, such as it was, and was happy in the knowl- 
edge that she had no rivals, and it never occurred to her 
that Beverley might object to the exchange of com- 
panion^. 

She shot a coquettish glance at him as he took his 
seat beside her, and said in a low, half whisper, Is she 
really any relation of yours? Well, if it’s so far that 
there’s any question' about it, it isn’t of consequence 


138 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


unless you choose — ^but if I were a man, Pd sure choose 
to be close cousins to the Beverley girls — ^^specially 
Peggy. Land of Canaan! she^s a beauty, don^t you 
think ? They^re both handsome, but Peg’s out of sight I 
And I never could make out,” she went on confidentially, 

why so few men are in love with her ! ” 

Really ? ” asked Beverley, his throat so dry that the 
word could scarcely be heard, and his whole nature filled 
with a dumb wonder at his distracted condition. I’m 
surprised,” he added in a more natural tone, for she 
seems to me charming in every way.” 

And she is,” assented Miss Draper, that’s what I 
say ! But would you believe it ? I’ve had a half a dozen 
proposals to her one ! She’s so standoffish — and no mat- 
ter how much a man may want to lay his fifteen dollars 
a month at your feet, he feels some natural hesitation 
when a girl is so — so detached — as Peggy. Now, I 
meet a man half way,” with a swift upward glance, and 
a becoming show of dimples. ^^I simply can’t help 
being nice, even to the mail boy ! A clergyman’s daugh- 
ter has to be ! ” with a laugh. Ssh ! Amy’s going to 
sing ! ” 

Beverley was glad to keep silence, and to gain a respite 
from his companion’s chatter. He was stunned by his 
sudden knowledge of his love for Peggy. Such a cata- 
clysm was completely out of his experience, for, while 
in his thirty-two years of strenuous life, he had fancied 
many girls, he had never cared enough to turn his 
thoughts toward matrimony, or to feel a pang of jeal- 
ousy when they bestowed the hand he had no desire for, 
on some less backward admirer. 

Indeed, women had played but an insignificant part 
in Beverley’s life, and in his plans for the future they 
had no place. His sudden love for Peggy upset his 
calculations and changed his horizon. He did not know 
why he loved her. She was very beautiful, very grace- 
ful, very gay and pleasant to talk to — ^but these things 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


139 


did not mean love ! He had met other women of equal 
attractiveness who failed to attract him at all. He ad- 
mired Peggy’s music, and was interested in the sim- 
ilarity of their names, but such things do not bring love ! 
His mind wandered helplessly, coming back always to 
the same conclusion. He loved her. If her beauty 
faded— if her grace deserted her — if her gaiety suc- 
cumbed to sadness — and if he never heard another note 
of music — it would be all the same. He loved her ; not 
for what she was — or seemed — not for beauty or for 
charm. He only knew that as the first man was drawn 
to the woman who was made for him, so he was drawn 
to her, and so long as he lived he could never care for 
any other. 

He did not hear Amy’s voice — high, clear, and true — 
ringing through the great rooms like the carol of some 
happy bird; nor the steady stream of comment confided 
by Miss Draper afterwards; but when Peggy, who had 
retained her seat at the piano, began to sing, his whole 
heart went out to her, and he wondered dumbly if peo- 
ple could not see the change which had come over him, 
and whether any such headlong plunge into the deep 
waters of love had ever happened to another man. 

The last song finished, the party from Paradise began 
their farewells, and Amy joined Peggy as she was put- 
ting her violin in its case in the hall. Don’t wait for 
me,” she said hurriedly. Mr. Worthington is going to 
drive me back in his car, and when we’ve put Mrs. 
Worthington down, we’re going out on the shell road, 
for a little spin. Oh, Peg, don’t you wish we had even 
a half goat, power machine? There’s nothing, I hate 
like walking ! 

Except dyed frocks, and scalloped oysters,” laughed 
Peggy, go ahead — I’m going to slip out this side door 
and run home through the gardens. Don’t you want 
my fur ? It’ll be cold driving.” 

Well, if you don’t need it, yes,” replied Amy, whose 


140 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


object in speaking to Peggy was now accomplished with- 
out having had to ask for the loan. Sure you won^t 
be cold, yourself 

Certain/^ replied Peggy, handing her the great 
Chinchilla stole which had been her Christmas present 
from Dr. Martineau the year before. ^^Pm sorry I 
didn^t bring the muff, but you might call for it if you 
want it.^^ 

Oh, no, never mind about that. Tell mamma where 
I am, will you? She^s in the full blast of Miss Mar- 
tineau^s conversation, and IM as soon face a — a — cow — 
or anything else with horns ! Allez vous en — ^you man- 
age it — ^I^m gone.^^ 


PRETTY PEGGY. O 


141 


CHAPTER XI. 

I THINK Oglethorpe rain is the wettest rain in the 
world/^ grumbled Felix, as he stood by the library win- 
dow and stared at the soaked garden. And iPs so per- 
sistent ! IPs like some people — never knows when 
enough^s enough ! 

I love a rainy day/^ said Peggy, who was curled up 
by the fire of live oak logs which filled a chimney almost 
the size of a small room. ^^I donH know why, but I 
always feel virtuous when it rains,^^ she continued, be- 
sides a sort of pleasant melancholy ; just as I love minor 
chords in music — and saddish poetry 

Dr. McLane closed his book over his finger, and with 
his other hand removed his spectacles. 

I should never suspect you of an affection for mel- 
ancholy,^^ he said, smiling at her across the hearth-rug. 
^^You are always presenting a new side, Peggy. I 
thought your life was just one round of happy thoughts.^^ 

Well, it is,^^ assented Peggy. Sadness in music or 
poetry doesnH really affect me, because it isn’t my sad- 
ness you know. I can look at it all from the outside, 
and it isn’t the sort of sadness that makes you ache 
with sympathy, either — it’s entirely detached. I don’t 
know whether I can make myself clear, but it’s sub- 
jective, isn’t it? And the sadness that touches you 
personally, and makes the tears come is objective.” 

Dr. McLane laughed. ^^I never heard such a re- 
markable explanation,” he said. Thank your stars, 
little Peggy, that you’re not introspective. People who 
spend their time turning their souls inside out, to fret 
about every tiny stain and wrinkle on it, are miserably 


142 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


tinliappy, and a burden to themselves and everyone 
else.’^ 

Uncle Doctor says/^ replied Peggy, that he once 
knew a man who was so busy searching for his sins that 
he hadn^t time to commit them; not that he was en- 
couraged by that — ^he was very angry when his condition 
was pointed out to him, and insisted upon his iniquity 
being patent to all beholders ” 

^^It^s really remarkable,^^ said Dr. McLane slowly, 
how some people fairly revel in being thought wicked, 
and they hide a virtue (if they have one) as if it were 
something too nasty to show. Oh, this is a queer world ! 
Ro wonder that the God who made us should be angry 
with the creatures of His Hand ! 

''Angry ? '' asked Peggy. Why, I never thought of 
God as angry — at least not since I was a tiny child, and 
Amy’s old nurse used to frighten us. Since Daddy 
found out, and explained things to me, I have known 
God only as a loving Father, and oh, isn’t it a comfort 
when you’re lonesome and in trouble?” And Peggy’s 
great, dark eyes brimmed with tears she could not en- 
tirely keep back. 

Of course, my child,” responded the clergyman, 
you’re right in considering Him as your loving Heav- 
enly Father, but you must also remember that He is 
an angry and a jealous God, whose wrath against us has 
been placated by the sacrifice of His only Son, but who 
visits the sins of the fathers upon the children unto the 
third and fourth generation. Do not forget that, my 
dear.” 

Of course. Dr. McLane, Pm only a girl, and I can’t 
argue. I wouldn’t want to if I could,” replied Peggy, 
and do — don’t think me setting my opinion against 
yours, for I shouldn’t dare, but Daddy always taught me 
this way. He used to point out that if he, my earthly 
father loved me so devotedly, how much more must my 
Father in Heaven love me. Would He make the father 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


143 


of my body more loving — tenderer — or more devoted 
than the Father of my soul ? And as for our being saved 
by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I think it was the love 
which prompted him to come to earth and teach us, that 
saves our souls ; not the sacrifice of His life, don^t you ? 
For if we might be saved by sacrifice, why couldn^t God 
just forgive us anyhow? Where was the need for sac- 
rifice ? ^ But it was to show us the love of God that 
Jesus came, and oh, doesn^t your heart ache for God? 
Do not think me sacrilegious. I don’t mean to be, but 
when I think of His allowing His dearly beloved Son 
to come to earth, and suffer so cruelly in His human 
body, I can’t help feeling sorry for the Father in 
Heaven.” 

My child — ^my child ! How can you talk so — ^^so in- 
timately upon such a question ? ” asked the old man in 
horrified surprise. I don’t know how to speak to you. 
You must surely comprehend the scheme of salvation — 
the sacrifice by which we may obtain forgiveness for the 
sins born with us. And if we deliberately turn from the 
truth and follow the impulses of our lower natures, we 
must just as certainly be punished for our sins when we 
are cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and 
wailing and gnashing of teeth. Oh, my dear, you are 
too young to harden your heart against Almighty God. 
Remember that He places temptations in our way to try 
us, and if we fall, and repent, the intercession of our 
Savior may mitigate the sentence, but if we persist in 
our sins, what can save us from Hell, the dwelling-place 
of the Devil and his angels ? Don’t harden your heart, 
my daughter. Young people often take an oblique view 
of religion, but I didn’t think it of you, Peggy.” And 
the old man sighed with a sense of regret and disappoint- 
ment, for he was fervent in his own belief and in his 
desire to set the truth, as he saw it, before her perverted 
eyes. 

Dear Dr. McLane,” she said earnestly, I beg you 


144 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

wonH think me hard-hearted, or with wrong or per- 
verted ideas. Daddy taught me what he thought right, 
and we used often to talk together about all this. May 
I tell you what his views were? I don^t like to set up 
my own opinion, but if you^ll allow me, Fd like just to 
tell you what we thought, Daddy and I, may I ? 

Certainly, but I hope that I am mistaken in what I 
take to be your religious standpoinV^ replied the old 
man rather sourly. Go on, my dear. I won^t inter- 
rupt you — if I can help it.^^ And he settled himself back 
on his couch with an expression far from encouraging to 
the girl, who hesitated before she spoke. 

I think my father was the happiest Christian I ever 
heard of,^^ she began, and his teachings have been like 
sunlight in my own heart. He taught me that God is 
Jove, and that he so loved the world that he gave his 
only Son, who, by His love, so covered the sins of man- 
kind that by the strength of love, not sacrifice, we could 
gain Heaven. 

^^When I was a very little girl, and old Nana 
frightened me by telling me about Devils and Hell; 
Daddy explained that there’s no need for us to think of 
such things, for God so loved the world that He gave His 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. Now that 
wipes out all fear of Hell, doesn’t it ? He says we shall 
not perish if we believe on Jesus Christ. He doesn’t say 
may not, or will not, but emphatically shall not perish, 
and we certainly do believe, don’t we? Therefore, why 
think of Hell? We’re told how to gain Heaven, and 
that’s the important part. Once we understand that 
Heaven is absolutely ours, because of our belief in J esus, 
we can turn our backs on Hell, and stop worrying about 
it. Oh, what a comfort that was to me when I really 
understood it ! ” And Peggy looked eagerly at the old 
clergyman, hoping for a sympathetic word, but he re- 
mained silent, with his eyes fixed on the fire, and after 
a pause she went on. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


145 


Even if anybody should be so determinedly wicked, 
I don^t believe there^s such a thing as eternal punish- 
ment ! Why, what earthly father would punish a child, 
forever? God is love! And He made the conditions — 
surely we can trust Him to allow for them. He gave us 
these imperfect natures. Would He be just — leaving out 
the love — if He cast us away forever because of our giv- 
ing way to the weakness He allowed in our natures? 
Nothing can make me believe,^^ went on Peggy stoutly, 
that our Father in Heaven, who is love itself, would be 
harder on His children whose imperfections He surely 
understands, than would an earthly father, who would be 
more apt to punish the faults he saw just because he 
couldn’t understand them. And would any father con- 
demn his child to eternal torment for some childish 
transgression ? For what is our life here, but a second — 
a breath — compared with that which we call eternity, 
but the real meaning of which, we haven’t mind enough 
to grasp ? ” And Peggy sat up with glowing cheeks and 
starry eyes, too much absorbed in her explanation to 
realize the disapprobation of her listener. 

am too much shocked by your attitude to even 
argue with you at present,” said Dr. McLane, slowly. 

And I am pained, Peggy, for I have grown very fond 
of you,” and he sighed as he wiped his spectacles, and 
prepared to resume his reading. 

Peggy crossed the rug, and knelt down by the old 
man’s couch, taking his hand and laying her hot cheek 
against it. Please, please don’t be vexed with me just 
because I believe we’re all going to Heaven ! ” she ex- 
claimed impulsively. Oh, I can’t express it, but my 
heart is so full of the love of God, and I’m so certain of 
His protection and care, that I can*t believe He tolerates 
the eternal punishment called Hell for us who are made 
in His image, and are partakers of His spirit, and over 
whom Jesus Christ has cast the redeeming mantle of 
His love ! Dear Dr. McLane, please understand me. Is 


146 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


it wrong to be just uplifted with happiness because I 
believe God loves me ? Or to love Him back again with 
all my heart? Is it wrong to trust in His love, and to 
believe when He sends His only Son to show us the way 
to Heaven? Wait — Felix isn^t your child, but you love 
him dearly. If he disobeyed you, would you have him 
imprisoned and tortured year ^ter year after year ? Of 
course you wouldnH! Well, are you more forgiving 
than God ? 

Peggy stopped with a gasp, realizing that in her en- 
thusiasm, she had gone further than she intended, but 
the old man looked up at her with softened eyes as he 
answered, little girl, I wouldn^t take away one grain of 
your love and faith for anything this world can offer. 
You and I will talk about this some other time, for I hear 
wheels which can only mean that amphibious old uncle 
of yours. But don^t fret child — cling to your belief. I 
won^t put stumbling-blocks in your way,^^ and as Peggy 
left the room to open the door for Dr. Martineau, he 
whispered under his breath, the faith of a little child ! 
Oh, God of Wisdom, let the scales fall from my eyes 
also, that I may see Thee as Thou art ! 

Darn Devil,^^ cried Dr. Martineau cheerfully as he 
walked quickly up the room, and extended his hands to 
the blaze. ^^IPs cold as hickey, outside. If I didn^t 
know I lived in South Carolina, Pd think this was north 
of the pole. The wind is a heap keener than any knife 
in my outfit, and rain ! And the genial old man 
turned his back to the fire, and drawing his coat-tails 
apart, held one under each arm, while he faced his audi- 
ence with smiling approval. 

How goes it, Ritter ? Bad weather for bones, eh ? 
he asked. I tell you what. Pll give you a prescrip- 
tion — to be taken on the spot, and for fear you might 
think Pm exclusive, 1^11 join you. Here — Peggy love ! 
Just mix a couple of toddies, will you, daughter? No — 
three — I didnT notice Felix. Why are you hiding your 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


H7 


youth and beauty behind the window-curtains, young 
man? Enamored of the weather? Well, you wouldnT 
be if you had a nearer view of iV^ and the doctor stood 
upon one leg, while he bent the other till the sole of his 
boot felt the comforting influence of the fire. 

Just toddy, Dockelly, or a nice juicy julep ? Treason 
has a special bed of mint, which is like the widow^s 
cruise, it never fails. Julep? All right, Ifll be back 
before you have time to get thirsty,^^ and Peggy left the 
room followed by Felix, who joined her in the hall. 

Will I be in your way, if I watch you make it? he 
asked rather shyly, donT hesitate to send me packing 

if you don’t want me, but 

^^Why, of course,” cried Peggy, leading the way 
through the pantry into the still room. Come in. 
Isn’t this a queer old place? This is Maumer’s happy 
hunting-ground. When she was a little girl, and her 
mother was grandmamma’s cook, she used to be allowed 
in here to help pound almonds in that old wedgewood 
mortar, and peel the tangerines; just the thinnest yel- 
low rind, no white, you know, the kind you steep in 
brandy to flavor pound cake with. So now that she is 
at the head of this department, Maumer takes the great- 
est delight in following, foot for foot, in the steps of her 
forerunners. Every jar stands to-day just where it 
stood sixty years ago, or longer for all I know, for I can 
only vouch for things as far back as Maumer’s memory 
goes. Isn’t it all quaint ? ” 

^^It is, indeed,” replied Felix absently staring with 
unseeing eyes at a large, glass jar with a sunken stopper, 
which was half full of something he did not recognize. 

As Peggy began to put her ingredients deftly together, 
she called Treason from the next room. 

Get me some mint, please. Treason,” she said, when 
he appeared in the doorway, ^^not much, I only want 
enough for three glasses, but I’d like it at once, if pos- 
sible,” and Peggy reached up for the sugar which was 
kept for this particular concoction. 


148 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


ThaPs Potpourri,” she instructed him, thinking he 
was wondering at the contents of the jar, rose leaves, 
and spices and things, you know, I made it last summer, 
but I had such a quantity this was left over. Fm an ex- 
travagant little beast ! Thank you. Treason, thaPs fine ; 
doesn^t it give a bouquet ? ” she asked, turning again to 
Felix, as she set the glasses on the silver tray Treason 
held out. Will you have yours in the library with the 
others, or drink it here ? ” 

WTiy, I should like to talk to you, for a little while, 
if you arenH too busy, couldnT we sit here a few min- 
utes ? ” 

No siree,” replied Peggy emphatically, this place 
is too cold for anyone less protected by the too too solid 
and so forth, than I. LePs go into my sitting-room, 
there^s a fire there, and iPs my private and particular 
burrow ; no one dares disturb me when I shut the door, 
and iPs a comfort beyond telling, just to know you have 
a refuge.” 

I\e never been in there, have I ? ” asked Felix, as 
he followed her across the broad hall, and down a side 
passage. 

I don^t know, havenT you ? well, prepare then, to see 
the prettiest room in the house,” cried Peggy as she 
threw open the door with a fiourish, and closed it again 
as he entered. 

Oh, what a beauty,” he said, standing just inside, 
and looking around, I never saw a room like this, iPs 
absolutely circular, isnT it?” 

Yes, iPs made so by these closets, see? They donT 
look closetty, because of the carving and things, and 
they work by a spring, so,” and touching an innocent- 
looking knob in the decoration, a panel slipped back, 
disclosing a three-cornered recess in which were piled a 
number of small dolls, and many odds and ends of 
brightly-colored silks and ribbons. 

Caught ! ” cried Felix laughing, I thought you^d 
outgrown doll babies, but you^ve given yourself away ! ” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


149 


replied Peggy, the dolls that are to be 
given away, the/re just little Christmas presents for the 
children on Kingsgift. You know when Daddy lived 
he always gave the people a Christmas dinner. Every- 
one who had helped at all with the crop was invited, but 
I canT do that, so I thought Pd make one or two little 
presents for the children, anyhow. Pm so glad you like 
my room,^^ she continued, sliding the panel back into 
place. 

^^Aren^t the windows charming with their carved 
pillars, and do you notice that old, gilt railing which 
runs all around the top ? 

The room is perfect, and so are its furnishings,^^ 
replied Felix warmly. Vd go on to say its mistress was 
in the same category, but I^m afraid I might make you 
vain, and think what Vd have on my conscience ! But 
I really do want to talk to you a little. Won^t you sit 
here? I heard what you were saying to Uncle Mac just 
now, and I simply had to ask some questions. Do you 
mind ? 

^^Mind! But I do hope you don^t think I 

preached ! Oh, Pm so ashamed of even seeming to argue 
with a clergyman,^^ and Peggy turned a scarlet and 
troubled face toward him. 

No, you didn’t preach or argue, or do anything you 
shouldn’t, but I’m so much interested,” and Felix hesi- 
tated and wiped his forehead, for he was a reserved fel- 
low, and it irked him to talk of himself. 

^^You know,” said Peggy, as she handed him his 
julep, and bent over to stir the fire before seating her- 
self on a low chair by the fender; ^^you know, when I 
spoke just now to Dr. McLane, I forgot myself, and I’m 
dreadfully afraid I displeased him. Did I, do you 
think ? ” 

I don’t see how you could,” he replied, then he 
added with a little laugh, now I’ve got you here with 
all this strenuous secrecy, I don’t seem to have anything 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


150 

to say. But I was very much interested in what you said 
just now. The fact is/^ flushing to his forehead when 
I was a boy about twelve or thirteen, I got into a very 
morbid state, which led to my becoming a member of 
the Church, and a teacher of other small children in 
Sunday-school. I was dreadfully in earnest, for I was 
frightened. I^ve always had a horror of death, and the 
tragedy of dissolution ; I trembled to think of the grave, 
and I thought of it constantly, especially when I was 
alone in the dark, so in despair, as I said, I became a 
member of the Church, and took up Church work, but 
with very little result so far as my fears were concerned. 
After a few years of unnatural repression, I suddenly 
threw off the shackles with which I had bound myself, 
and, as usual in such cases — I believe in the swing of the 
pendulum, donT you ? 

Yes, I know what you mean, do go on,^^ said Peggy, 
nodding. 

^^Well, when I got out of clerical leading strings, I 
suppose I swung a bit out of plumb. I wasnT any worse 
than the other fellows, only my former priggishness 
made a mountain out of every measly mole-hill, and 
Uncle was awfully worried about me and mother thought 
everything dreadful, while I — I^m ashamed to say, 
kicked over the traces altogether, and pretended to be- 
lieve in nothing but science, though down in my heart, 
I knew I was lying, every time I said it. To make a 
long story short, I was going with a pretty gay crowd at 
college — ^though I give you my word. Miss Beverley, I 

never did anything underhand or — or shameful 

Of course, you didnT,^^ said Peggy comfortably, 
you neednT tell me that. Do go on.’^ 

^^There^s very little more to say,^^ replied Pelix, 
only that while I was running with a rather gay crowd, 
I got sick, and had to go home, and they were awfully 
good to me, but I could see they disapproved of me, and 
I disapproved of myself, too. Well, the worse my health 


/pretty PEGGY O 151 

became, the more my old terrors came back. Uncle Mac 
is good as gold, but for my own sake, I suppose, he didn^t 
spare me, and Fm afraid he thinks I^m bound for Hell — 
on a fast train — with no stopping-places.^^ And Felix 
wiped his forehead, which had suddenly become damp 
with sweat. 

^^Do you mean,^^ asked Peggy slowly, ^^that your 
uncle thinks you — ^you 

^^That Fm doomed?” asked Felix in a hard voice; 
yes, Fm afraid he does. He^s rather apt to dwell on a 
painful hereafter,” he continued grimly, and Fve been 
so deluged with texts which have to do with the anger 
and jealously of Almighty God, that your seeming love 
for Him, and your unshaken belief in His love for you, 
was a relief; gave a respite, a chance, you know, for,” 
with a ghastly smile, a fellow in my state of health is 
naturally rather interested in a condition which will 
soon be forced upon him. Mother prays herself into 
hysteria, demanding first the health of my soul, then 
that of my body. It’s awfully hard on her, for Fm afraid 
Uncle Mac has imbued her with his cheerful opinions 
in regard to my future, but she’s game, is my little 
mother, and I really believe she would choose the down- 
ward road herself, if she could be sure of being there to 
comfort me under torment, and to share my loneliness.” 

Oh, Felix, don’t talk so ! ” cried Peggy, the tears 
coursing unnoticed down her cheeks, what frightful 
ideas you have ! Oh, if I could just make you under- 
stand! Because I went through black despair before 
Daddy found it out ; somehow people shrink from talk- 
ing about such things; and I can never forget how 
gently he turned my face towards the God of love.” 

^^But, how about the jealous and revengeful God,” 
said Felix. He who made the Hebrews kill women and 
children in the cities they took, and Who delighted in 
the odor of burnt flesh as a sacrifice. It seems to me 


152 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


the Bible is full of His punishments, but there^s little 
enough about love, that I can remember/^ 

But, you^re talking about the Old TestamenV^ cried 
Peggy, and thaPs only history ; inspired history, maybe, 
but history, all the same. And if you’ll read it as his- 
tory, read it in conjunction with the contemporaneous 
records of Assyria, Chaldea, and Egypt, you’ll under- 
stand. You know those old ducks who called themselves 
Prophets and pretended to rule the nation by interpret- 
ing the will of God; well, they were just men, and 
mostly shrewd politicians, too. They knew the Israel- 
ites wouldn’t be governed by anybody; like a king, for 
instance; they were too jealous of each other to start 
a monarchy which would very likely become hereditary, 
no matter how it began, for each of the powerful houses 
would put up a candidate, and the tribes would be dis- 
solved in a civil war, so the prophets professed to be the 
mouth-piece of God, and when they thought it best for 
the nation’s good to do certain things, they said God told 
them to do it. It was a blissfully easy thing for the 
prophets. Take that business of destroying the women 
and children in conquered towns. The prophets, or 
judges, or whatever they called themselves, knew very 
well that if the women and children remained, there’d 
be intermarriages, and a mixed breed in next to no time, 
and they knew they couldn’t go on governing any nation 
but the Israelites in their specially approved manner. 
They were used to it, so, what easier than to say God 
ordered the massacre? And don’t you remember Jesus 
especially tells us that He came to do away with the law 
and the prophets? And it was Jesus also who said that 
God is love — and you needn’t talk to me,” wound up 
Peggy breathlessly, ^^but love doesn’t torture. Would 
your mother have you banged and beaten forever, just 
because you happened to disobey her ? Look at the mat- 
ter from a common-sense point of view, which we never 
do, in religious questions it seems to me, and you can't 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


153 


think there^s any Hell. I mean the kind you and I have 
been frightened about.^^ And Peggy sat up and clasped 
her hands around her knees, looking at Felix with eyes 
that shone with enthusiasm. 

Somehow, it seems sacrilegious to speak of applying 
common sense to religion,^^ said Felix slowly. Religion 
is always representing God^s dealings with man as a 
series of miracles, and you have to swallow the miracles 
as miracles, too, for if you try to bring them down to the 
plane of your understanding, you’re called an unbeliever 
— unbeliever ! ” and Felix ground his teeth. I’d give 
everything on earth except my mother’s love if I could 
disbelieve ! ” 

Disbelieve what ? ” asked Peggy. You don’t want 
to disbelieve in God, do you? or in Jesus Christ? You 
don’t want to disbelieve in Heaven? and that’s all there 
is. If there is a place that in any way corresponds to our 
idea of Hell, we need not bother about it, for, Jesus 
Christ having shown us the way to Heaven, Hell has 
no interest for us. Oh, Felix, don’t you see that you 
can’t help being saved? Don’t you see that your very 
belief in Jesus carries you to His side ? Put the thought 
of Hell — set apart by an angry God as a place of punish- 
ment for earthly sins — out of your mind. Oh, Felix, 
God is Love ! all tenderness and fatherly kindness ! Keep 
your heart fixed on His love, and you need never fear 
His anger ; and when you begin to fret about your sins, 
remember that Jesus has transferred them to His own 
account. He loves us enough for that, and God loves us 
enough to let Him do it.” Peggy paused, and Felix held 
out his hand. 

Shake ! ” he said boyishly. You’ve done me more 
good than a barrel full of tonic medicine. I can’t tell 
you how much lighter I feel in my mind ; I’m positively 
buoyant ! I believe one reason your views have so much 
power over me, is because you live your religion. It 
isn’t just a cloak to wear to Church on Sundays. And 


154 PRETTY PEGGY O 

I^m awfully obliged to you for giving me 
your time; Fve been very selfish, and I^m 
made you miss seeing Dr. Martineau, but 
grateful ! 

Honest, repeated Peggy, I love to 
laughing, they left the room together. 


so much of 
afraid Fve 
honest, Fm 

talk!^^ and 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


155 


CHAPTER XII. 

Me. Woethington paced slowly up and down the 
long south drawing-room, followed by the adoring eyes 
of his wife, who lay on a couch near the open fire. 

All day the rain had fallen with sullen persistence, and 
now that twilight was about to close in, there seemed 
to be only an increase of the storm, and the master of 
Paradise was bored to the point of extinction. 

^^Pm so sorry the Weatherly girls had to go off so 
suddenly began Mrs. Worthington, as her husband 
drew near her on his aimless walk, ^^and you couldn^t 
have held Jack Fenton with chains once Agnes Weath- 
erly got a move on her — I 

Mr. Worthington now being the length of the room 
away, she waited until he was again within conversa- 
tional bounds, and added, ^^for myself, it doesn^t so 
much matter. I^m used to being more or less alone, but 
Pm awfully sorry for you, Charlie. Xobody to play 
with but a sick wife and a friend with a grouch.” 

I can’t think what’s come over Beverley lately,” re- 
sponded Mr. Worthington, throwing himself into a chair 
by the fire, and showing a faint interest in the topic. 

He doesn’t seem able to settle to anything, and he’s so 
absent-minded that he’d forget to come to dinner, if I 
didn’t boost him into his togs and lead him about like 
a pet lamb.” 

^^Do you think he might be in love?” asked Mrs. 
Worthington, a little shyly. They say that makes peo- 
ple absent-minded. I wonder if it had that effect on 
you?” and her face grew scarlet as she met her hus-^ 
band’s smile. 

■ ^ Sue, you’re blushing ! ” he said rising, and going 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


156 

over to her side, where he pushed back the soft fur cover, 
and seated himself on the foot of her couch. 

I absent-minded ? he laughed, not much ! I 
didn^t dare indulge in any such luxury. If I hadn^t 
kept strict watch, and circumvented the villain at every 
turn, youM have been off with Frank Morris before I had 
time to call on the name of Jack Robinson! No, my 
dear, I won my wife by hard work and devotion, not by 
writing sonnets to her eyebrow, and that’s the best way, 
every time, eh. Sue?” 

Your way is always best, Charlie. You’re the very 
dearest, noblest man alive, and I often wonder how I 
came to catch you, for I know I’m not beautiful, no mat- 
ter how many high-falutin compliments you pay me — 
not that I don’t like the compliments” — she added 
smiling, the more I know my beauty, as you call it, is 
all in your eye, the more I like to have you tell me it’s 
where it belongs.” 

^^Well, doesn’t it belong in my eye?” he asked, pat- 
ting her long, thin hand. I’m perfectly satisfied with 
my luck in the lottery of marriage. Susie — ^we’ve had 
a happy six years together, haven’t we, old girl ? ” 

His wife pressed his hand, and lay with closed eyes 
lest he should see the tears of gratification which started 
at his words, while the man, looking backward, under- 
stood to the full his good fortune in the choice of a wife. 

For Charles Worthington had faced the world with 
little besides an old name and a fierce ambition for the 
life of idle industry known only to the rich. His father 
had successfully squandered the wealth which his father 
had denied himself to pile up for his only son, and the 
grandson soon found the adding of dollar to dollar too 
slow a method of accumulation, and the grind of office 
work too confining for his ideas of living. So, as he had 
no money, and no desire to make it, there was left only 
marriage, for money was needed in the scheme of lifQ 
he had pl^nn^d for his enjoyment. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


157 


Susan Dennis, with her millions newly acquired and 
absolutely her own, came to 'New York from the small, 
North-western town where she had spent her girlhood, 
and was so glamored by the novelty of all she saw — 
so lost in admiration of the great hotel in which she 
made her home, and so bewildered by the change in her 
life and prospects, that she was as easily won as a child 
who clings with confidence to the first hand held out to it. 

Her father had kept a country store at the cross-roads 
between two thriving villages, and in summer time his 
little daughter ran barefooted through the berry patches, 
while in winter she attended school with children of 
small farmers in the neighborhood, and it was not until 
she was nearly grown, and had been for several years 
her fathers clerk and bookkeeper that a lucky specula- 
tion changed her life to one of leisure. 

In her way, Susan was ambitious, and it was not long 
before she made her father see the inappropriate setting 
of a small store for the heiress of so many thousands. 
But on their removal to a city, they recognized the as- 
tounding fact that wealth in East Centerville was but a 
mediocre fortune in Motansas, and Susan who had 
dreamed of a future made glorious by imported gowns, 
worn in her palatial home in Chicago, where she would 
naturally meet and gain the affection of an English 
Duke, or perhaps a Prince (Italian for choice, she pre- 
ferred black eyes, but that could be settled later) and 
live happily with him, in one grand round of lavish 
gaiety forever after. 

Motansas was meant to be but a stepping-stone, a 
break in the journey between the cross-road store, and 
the Lakeside palace, a place where she could take breath, 
and get herself polished into the brilliancy necessary for 
Ducal or Princely circles, and Susan who was horrified 
to find the family fortune of small account in Motansas, 
had sense enough to recognize that for the wider flight 
she had determined on, she would have to have that 
fortune in millions. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


158 

Old Dennis himself, having had a taste of the sweet- 
ness of riches, was eager for more, though he hesitated 
to put his fortune to the touch. 

^^^TainT in natuP, Sue, to hit it agin. Lightnin’ 
donT strike twicet in the same place, and s^pose we git 
bit, hey ? I^m ^most afraid to resk what I got, but if I 
just set down and hold on, 1^11 never have any more, and 
thaPs no lie, my girl. Anyways, iPs all for you.^^ 

Well then,^^ said Susan, if iPs my resk, Pll stand 
fer it. We’ve got the store, and even if we lose, we’ll 
have all we ever thought to have ! I tell you what. Pop, 
you settle the store and what land’s around it, on me, 
so’s there’ll always be a home for us, and then you go 
ahead. Charge right into ’em, and bust the market. I 
won’t squeal if you lose.” 

So Pop had charged, and he busted the market, as 
Susan had suggested, so there was no reason for squeals, 
only a most juWlant thankfulness. And they had moved 
from their large yellow house in Motansas to a large, 
stone house in Chicago, and while Susan started in on a 
severe regimen of such aids to beauty as were advised 
in the woman’s page of the Sunday paper, her father, 
with shrewd old-fashioned caution, invested the money 
he had won by such reckless ventures, and having ar- 
ranged everything so that he had nothing to do but spend 
his enormous income, and delight in the spending, he 
died, leaving his daughter sole heiress to the millions he 
had no time to enjoy. 

Susan had sincerely mourned her father, but she was 
young, and very rich, and so far no Prince had appeared, 
to love her for herself, alone. 

So she wrote to an aunt of her mother’s, asking her 
to come on a visit of indefinite length, and the old wo- 
man was glad enough to leave her small dressmaking 
concern to her one assistant, and play chaperone to her 
niece’s daughter. 

They had reached New York, en route for Europe, 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


IS9 

and were stopping at the Waldorf when Charles Worth- 
ington met them. 

He had accepted a desk in his uncle’s law office, a 
desk he occupied as seldom as possible, but on one of 
these occasions he had overheard the dictation of a letter 
to a Chicago lawyer upon some trifling business to be 
transacted for Miss Dennis, and his uncle’s remark that 
the girl was worth her weight in greenbacks, she being 
sole heiress of that old bruiser who knocked the bottom 
out of wheat a couple of years ago, remember? The 
thing made a lot of talk at the time, and the man made 
millions.” 

You ought to go in for the fortune, Charlie,” said 
his uncle looking at him quizzically over his glasses. 

Here, I’ve got to send this up to her. I was going to 
call a messenger, but you may take it up, if you like. 
Maybe you’ll have a stroke of luck ! ” The old man 
chuckled, and forgot the incident, but he remembered 
his words six weeks later, when he was asked to felici- 
tate his nephew as a prospective millionaire, and Bene- 
dict. 

In spite of the incompatibility of the contracting 
parties, the marriage seemed a happy one. Worthington 
was a gentleman, by nature as well as birth, and his own 
self-respect would not allow him to neglect his wife. 
He was happy in the possession of all the money he 
cared to spend, for the girl had insisted on turning over 
the care of her fortune to her husband, only too glad to 
give him all she had, herself, and the love of her whole 
heart, included. 

And he was very kind. He did not love her — ^had 
never loved her. They were absolutely different, and 
had they been poor, and obliged to live the concrete and 
intimate life of poverty, they would have soon found 
many subjects on which to disagree. As it was, they 
wandered quite contentedly about Europe, coming back 
occasionally to their big home in New York, and until 


i6o 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Susan’s health made their nomadic life impossible, and 
they had bought Paradise, and made it their permanent 
home, they had seldom been thrown together in that 
solitude a deux which, in true marriage, is the happiest 
condition possible. 

If Worthington had lent his heart at times to such 
beauties as his money could command, Susan never knew 
it, and in the ignorance of complete confidence, she now 
filled her house with such attractive women as she could 
persuade to come, lest her husband should feel bored by 
the loss of that wandering life he preferred. 

In spite of her efforts, Worthington acknowledged to 
himself, that he was bored stiff. John Beverley, the 
friend whose society never palled, had failed him. 
Susan’s cough rasped his nerves raw, and with the lack 
of sympathy so frequent in men who have never known 
illness, her hopeless condition fretted him, and her af- 
fection, at no time especially desired, now filled him with 
a distaste of which he had the grace to feel ashamed. 

Susan had had the sense to recognize her limitations, 
and her first employment of wealth was in search of 
education, and such polishing of brain and body as can 
be bought and paid for. She was not a particularly 
clever girl, so, though her grammatical lapses had been 
rectified, and a smattering knowledge of modern lan- 
guages acquired dtiring her residence abroad, she cared 
little for reading, and nothing at all for such books as her 
husband had seen fit to buy for his library. 

She would not have owned it, but the adventures of 
Dainty Dolores, the Diamond Princess,” or Meek 
Maggie, the Intrepid Lady Detective,” were the only 
sort which appealed to her, so that the topics of conver- 
sation between her and her husband were necessarily 
few, and as she lay there, she was busy with plans to in- 
terest the man who, she believed, loved her in spite of 
the fact that he looked for amusement elsewhere. 

Charlie,” she began, how do the Oglethorpe girls 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


i6i 

strike yon? It seemed to me that there were several 
very pretty ones at that funny little tea we went to. 
Pve been wondering; how do yon think it would do to 
ask two or three of them here for Christmas week? We 
can pick up lots of men, but we know so few women. 
Yon see I lived so far away, that my own friends are 
out of the qnestion,^^ and Susan thought she had given 
her husband to understand why she had never suggested 
any pre-matrimonial acquaintances. 

^^Do Sue, save us from the natives he replied 
laughing, if they once get a foothold, they^ll be swarm- 
ing here morning, noon, and night. Besides, they^re 
right here ; you can get them whenever you want them ; 
but they’ll have to go home between times, and give us an 
opportunity to recover.” 

I only thought it might be gayer for you, dear,” she 
answered. There were those girls who sang and 
played ; Beverley, their name is. I thought them so at- 
tractive, especially the dark eyed one, did you notice ? ” 

Yes, I know whom you mean ; she is pretty, but the 
other one sings like a bird, doesn’t she ? I confess, they 
are rather out of the ordinary,” and Mr. Worthington 
whistled vaguely, as he resumed his walk, for without 
meaning to deceive his wife, he made a practice of 
appearing especially indifferent toward the women he 
admired. 

I had a letter from Mrs. van Kamp this morning, 
did I tell you ? ” asked Susan suddenly. She’s actually 
coming ! I never expected it when I wrote, and I only 
invited her because you asked me, for if there’s one wo- 
man on earth I’m afraid of, it’s Emily van Kamp!” 
and Susan sat up, and whirled her feet off the sofa, as if 
preparing for instant flight. 

Coming, is she?” said Worthington, ^^Gad! I’m 
glad of that. She’d make a graveyard jolly! Is she 
bringing any of her Eroggy-toads ? ” 

^^I don’t know; she doesn’t say, but I suppose the 


i 62 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Warner girl will come, and maybe Edna Black. Do yon 
know, Charlie, Vd be ashamed to do as those girls do; 
I donT care how poor they are. She treats them like — 
like — ^well, worse than slaves, for she says things that 
must lash their pride, and slaves havenT any, I suppose 
— but to be called Froggy-toads, and to have people know 
you only submit for the loaves and fishes ! It makes 
me ashamed.^^ And taking her husband^s arm, Susan 
joined him in his slow walk up and down the room. 

Worthington laughed as he answered, ^^Yes, she is 
rough on them; Pve seen them wince, especially Mary 
Abbot. She has a tongue of her own, I tell you, and 
ni bet it takes a strong will to hold it! Emily van 
Kamp is a clever, sour, unscrupulous old woman. She 
hasnT a creature on earth to love, and yet I believe she 
really wants to love somebody. She told me once that if 
she could find a girl who would stand up to her when 
she blackguarded her, and answer back, or get fighting 
mad, sheM worship her and leave her every cent, and 
she’s got a pile, I can tell you.” 

^^Well, Fm glad she’s coming. Come in, John,” 
he called seeing Beverley in the doorway. Where 
have you been mooning now, eh? Damn you, old fel- 
low, I believe you’re loony, and Sue says you’re in love. 
As it’s pretty much the same thing, we agree, as 
usual.” 

ISTever have I heard a man talk so much and say so 
little,” cried Beverley. You have patience that would 
make Job pale with envy. Madam Susan. I don’t know 
why you put up with the long-winded wretch. Here, 
remove your throttling arm. I’ve got a message for you. 
That fellow we met the other day, the darkey who said 
his name was Stratagem, but who was evidently a liar 
of many strong waters, is in the kitchen, and says that 
this is the very evening for ducks, and that if you’ll 
brave the elements, you’ll have sport. Coming? ” 

Coming ! ” echoed Worthington, I don’t care what 


i63 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

his name is, he’s saved my life. I was just about to stab 
myself with Sue’s knitters. Come along, let’s go inter- 
view the duckster. Au revoir, my lady,” and the two 
men hurried out to make arrangements with Stratagem, 
while the sick woman returned to her couch with a sigh. 


164 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER XIIL 

Since her discomfiture at the hands of her step- 
daughter, Mrs. Beverley^s manner had been one of quiet 
sullenness when Peggy was present, and of martyred 
virtue when she was not there. To Mrs. McLane she 
hinted many things against the girl, things too dreadful 
to be spoken of, she said, and to the old clergyman she 
confided many of her trials — trials growing from her 
earnest and protecting love for her husband^s child, who 
was so unregenerate as to turn from such devotion, and 
resent interference meant only for her good. In fact, 
she became so accustomed to referring to Peggy as a 
viper warmed in her bosom, but to sink venomed fangs 
into her loyal heart, and to Peggy’s every act as showing 
the trail of the serpent, that there were many small jokes 
between the guests when alone together, and much 
petting of the viper when she joined them. 

Mrs. McLane was very happy. Felix seemed so much 
better that Dr. Martineau was delighted and encouraged 
by the change, and the invalid himself gained hope with 
every day that passed. Sunny days they were for most 
part; days of cool, crisp breezes tempering the warm 
sunlight, of mornings silvery with hoarfrost, noons rest- 
ful in heated light and welcome shadow, sunsets flaunt- 
ing their glories across the western sky, gorgeous as an 
army with banners, and cool twilights, shading into 
purple nights, spangled with stars. 

Christmas was but four days off, and of the gathering 
around the fire in the great library, almost all were 
busy with gifts. Mrs. McLane and Mrs. Beverley worked 
centerpieces of elaborate pattern. Peggy sewed white 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


i6s 

tarlton bags with red worsted drawstrings around the 
top. Before they left for Kingsgift these bags would be 
filled with candy, and there was one for each child on 
the plantation. Felix had carved a paper-knife from a 
bit of cedar he had picked up, and was carefully rubbing 
f it smooth with pumice. Only Dr. McLane was idle, and 
John Beverley; but Dr. McLane was talking, and John 
made a pretense of helping Peggy with her work. 

^^There,^^ she said, as the last drawstring was run 
through and knotted. I feel as if I had conquered a 
city. I don’t mind making ever so many things, if 
they’re different, but when they’re every one alike, I get 
bored. That’s my vagrant nature I suppose.” 

Mrs, Beverley coughed expressively, as if to emphasize 
and agree with this remark, and Dr. McLane asked, 
Peggy child, do you think your vagrant nature can 
stand making a little music ? There’s nothing like music 
when the twilight isn’t insulted by any light other than 
the fire. Sing to us, won’t you. Pretty Peggy 0 ? ” 

Of course,” answered Peggy, but you must promise 
to stop me when you get tired, for I’m mighty apt to 
forget my audience, and warble along for my own amuse- 
ment.” 

We’ll ask you to stop when we’re tired, don’t fret,” 
laughed Felix. Fancy anybody getting tired of a 
Beverley voice ! ” 

You’re so very kind and encouraging,” said Mrs. 
Beverley softly as Peggy rose and began gathering up the 
odds and ends of her work, ^^but I’m afraid it’s mis- 
applied,” she added, ^^for a person with such colossal 
vanity as hers, doesn’t recognize common civility — 
they think it’s admiration.” 

Which in her case it’s bound to be,” responded 
Felix. I know you agree with me there, though you 
won’t praise your own family, will you? ” and he laughed 
a little maliciously. 

Do you mind if I use this old harp ? ” asked Peggy, 


i66 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


from a dusky corner where John had followed her. 

There isn^t any fire in the drawing-ropm where the 
piano is ; or would you prefer a guitar accompaniment ? 

Dear me, you donT mean to say you play on all those 
things, and a piano, too ? ” cried Mrs. McLane. 

Peggy laughed. ‘^Yes, and several more,^^ she con- 
fessed, such as the violin, the banjo, the accordion, and 
last but by no means least, a comb and paper ! When I 
was very young, this last was my favorite instrument, it 
was so untrammeled ! 

Peggy sank on the low seat by the old carved and 
gilded harp, and after a few wandering chords, began 
to sing. Ninon, Ninon, que fait tu de la vie rang out 
the clear, fresh voice; a voice not so wonderful as Amy’s, 
nor of so wide a range, but with a mellowness and tim- 
bre which forestalled criticism and seemed to speak to 
the inmost heart of everyone who heard it. John sat by 
her, and, his own face in shadow, watched her as she 
sang. And he clenched his strong, brown hands, and 
vowed to himself that he would win her. She might be 
indifferent now, but surely a love like his should compel 
return. And while he humbly told himself that he was 
a fool to think of it, he nevertheless thought of it, and 
made up his mind that his thoughts should come true. 

That’s exquisite!” cried Mrs. McLane as Peggy 
finished, but don’t stop, I could listen forever ! ” 

Don’t encourage me I ” laughed Peggy, you’ll be 
like that man in Tennyson’s brook, and rise, ^lest you 
die a listener.’ Doesn’t it sound damp and unpoetical 
to speak of that man in Tennyson’s brook? For some 
reason, my appeals to poetry are never successful. 
There’s nothing inspired about my rendition ; I’m hope- 
less.” 

^^You little fisher woman,” said John under his 
breath, but Dr. McLane caught one of the words and 
cried eagerly, ^^yes, the fisherman, is that the name of 


PRETTY PEGGY O 167 

it? I’ve always loved that song, though it’s too sad — 
too sad.” 

^^Do you mean Kingsley’s Three Fishers?” asked 
Peggy, yes, it is weeptious, but I love it all the same,” 
and again the exquisite voice rang through the old room, 
as Peggy told the story of the harbor bar and its moan- 
ing. 

Before she finished Mrs. McLane was openly drying 
her eyes, and the old clergyman also flourishing a hand- 
kerchief of severe masculine proportions, so Peggy broke 
into her own song; just a nursery song, but sung as she 
sang it, the pitiful story of true love which never did 
run smooth. First came the light prelude, then in gay 
staccato movement she told that 

** It was down on the banks of the Ivy O, 

Where our captain fell in love 
With a lady like a dove, 

And they called her name Pretty Peggy O.” 

then softly 

“Oh, will you marry me, Pretty Peggy O ? 

In your carriage you shall ride 
Like a lady in her pride. 

With the hautboys playing before you, O.” 

But evidenty Pretty Peggy knew her mother’s bitter 
prejudices against the Englishmen who ruled their colony 
across seas without representation, so she meekly tells 
her gallant red-coated lover. 

“ But my mother won't consent noble captain O, 

She never would consent 
And I always should repent. 

Did I ever disobey my mammy, O." 

Good little Peggy. Does he love her less for her obedi- 
ence? But he does not comprehend the stern stuff of 
which these colonials are made. He still argues 


i68 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


“ But what would your mammy say, Pretty Peggy O, 
What would your mammy think 
If she heard the guineas chink 
And the hautboys playing before you, O ? 

Riches and position, and the love of her warm young 
heart. Who could resist? Yet Peggy^s mother cares 
nothing for love or money when both are English ; and 
for her daughters heart? In those days, girls gave 
their hearts where the maternal blessing could go with 
them, and if little Peggy suffered — suffering was or- 
dained, said the stern Calvinist who held her fate in 
relentless grasp. And the rejection, where there should 
have been jubilant acceptance, irked the elder brother 
of the love-lorn captain who remonstrates. For 

Out spoke his brother John so angry, O, 

Saying, ‘ this will never do ! 

There are maidens e^noo 

And many pretty girls on the Ivy O.* ” 

Yes, but only one Peggy, thinks her lover, and — through 
his brothers influence, I suspect, he is transferred to a 
more appreciative post. But Peggy canT let him go 
without one more word, so when she hears the very haut- 
boys, perhaps, which might have played before her car- 
riage when the captain^s wife went for an airing 

Came running down the stair. Pretty Peggy O, 

Came running down the stair 
Combing out her golden hair, 

For to take a last farewell of her dearie O. 

Maybe all the English regiments which had enlivened 
the quiet banks of the Ivy were to change their station, 
for 


The troops they were marching from the Ivy O, 

And our captain he fell sick 

And his pulse it beat so quick 

And all for the love of Pretty Peggy O. 

Poor young captain — poor Pretty Peggy. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


169 


And the very next town that we passed through 
The drums they beat so gloomy O, 

Our noble captain died, nor left his like alive, 

And all for the love of Pretty Peggy O ! 

And the news soon reached the Ivy O, 

And the mother did relent. 

And the brother did repent, 

For it soon put an end to Pretty Peggy O ! ” 

As the last sad chords died out on the still air, Mrs, 
McLane said with a sort of sob, Peggy, you^re a witch. 
YouVe made me see the unnecessary tragedy of a girFs 
life, and I^m fairly crying with sympathy. Why, Vve 
known that song all my life, and I never thought it had 
any deeper meaning than the alphabet ! 

Thank yon, my dear,^^ said Dr. McLane, ^^yonVe 
given ns all great pleasnre, and now, if yon^re not tired, 
jnst one more song ; something bright — - — 

I shonld think yon wonld ask for something brighV^ 
cried Amy^s voice from the doorway. Why this 
ghostly, ghastly, grizzly, grnmptions gloom? Well — 
groping her way to a chair, and nnfastening her coat — 
we’re in Inck at last. Peg. Mrs. Worthington has jnst 
asked ns to spend Christmas week with her, and they’re 
going to get np a dance for Yew Year’s Eve; dance the 
old year ont and the new year in, yon know, and a lot of 
people are coming to stay besides — ^lots — ^men and 
women, especially one crone who makes pets of girls and 
takes them abont, and gives them all sorts of things. 
They say she’s a terror, bnt I think I conld stand a mad 
dog with the mnmps for all that. Lord ! Yon’re a talk- 
active lot. Do somebody say something, I’m entirely too 
happy to talk ! 

Yon seem to be,” said Felix, is this the way silence 
always affects yon ? ” 

Everyone langhed, and as Treason came in with the 
lamps, Beverley rose to go. 

Pm ashamed of the length of my visit,” he apolo- 


170 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


gized, but it isn’t human nature to leave when you’re 
singing, cousin mine. Do you really mean you’ll come 
over to Paradise ? ” he asked in a lower tone, it would 
seem too good to be true.” 

I don’t know about Amy, but I couldn’t be away at 
Christmas,” answered Peggy with a smile. You know. 
Uncle Doctor always dines here on Christmas, and I’m 
housekeeper, and besides, Christmas wouldn’t be Christ- 
mas if one spent it away from home. I feel sure I’d cry 
myself to sleep with homesickness, but it is awfully kind 
in Mrs. Worthington to ask us,” she added as an after- 
thought. 

Don’t refuse for me. Goody Twoshoes,” cried Amy. 

I’m going if I can scare up a rag to wear. Oh ! these 
clothes ! How I love pretty ones, and how I loathe the 
sort I have to wear ! ” And Amy ground her little 
pointed white teeth in a disgust which was not entirely 
assumed. 

I’ve always thought,” asserted Peggy, that it must 
be delightful to have feathers, like a partridge for in- 
stance, not too fine for every day, yet good enough for 
Sunday.” 

You wouldn’t have partridge feathers,” Felix assured 
her, you’d be a proud and peacocky bird of Paradise ; 
the mater here would be a dove, wouldn’t you, Mums ? ” 

Yes,” cried Amy, and I’d be a wood-pecker — don’t 
hesitate to say it!” and amid the general laugh John 
took his departure. 

Do you really mean you won’t go to the Worthing- 
tons,” asked Amy, following Peggy up stairs and into 
her own room. Why, I wonder ? ” 

Well, chiefiy because I don’t want to,” replied Peggy 
slowly. " To begin with, it’s Christmas, and I’d hate to 
be away from home then, and then, with the McLanes 
here, and all, I don’t see how I could leave if I wanted to, 
anyhow, I don’t want to, so it’s all right. But I want to 
talk about your clothes, you’ve simply got to have some, 
and there’s so little time.” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


171 


Little time and no money/^ assented Amy cheerfully. 

Blessed are they who expect nothing for verily their 
expectations will be rewarded. Isn^t there a text or 
something about that ? 

Go ^long, talk sense, I want to help you/^ responded 
Peggy. It seems to me you ought to have a frock to 
wear in the evening, to dinner, and that, and you^ll have 
to have a regular ball gown for the dance.’^ 

Oh, Peg, talk sense yourself ! cried Amy irritably. 

WhaPs the use even hinting at ball gowns ? IM con- 
fess the hideous truth that I haven’t a cent of my 
allowance and it’s not due again till May. Mamma 
wouldn’t give me a dollar if I went on my knees to her, 
and my available wardrobe is my blue tailor-made, that 
white crepe house gown which I made myself, and it 
looks like it, and which cost seven cents a yard, and it 
looks like that, too, and those two organdies I got to wear 
at Alice’s last summer. Truly a noble showing ! Oh, for 
just one taste of riches ! ” and Amy turned her head that 
Peggy should not see the tears which filled her eyes. 

Poor little Pinkus ! ” said Peggy, who could under- 
stand and sympathize with Amy’s longing for dainty 
dress. Let’s confabulate. You know I made some 
money on Kingsgift this year, and I’m going to spend a 
little on our threadbare backs 

Rot mine, Peggy,” interrupted Amy, it wouldn’t 
be fair, when you took all the risk and did all the work. 
You mustn’t.” 

Maybe I mustn’t, but I’m going to,” replied Peggy. 
^^Row, I’ll tell you what let’s do; let’s get out those 
heart-breaking, Rew York catalogues, and choose ready- 
mades, eh ? Maybe we might manage the ball gowns our- 
selves — ^mine, anyhow, you haven’t time, — but here. I’ll 
light the candles, and you hunt the books. Let’s see 
what they have, anyhow.” 

So Peggy lit the candles, while Amy ran off to the 
little room in the back building where they did their sew- 


172 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


ing, coming bact with an armful of magazines and 
catalogues, which she threw on the bed while she began 
to unpin her hat. 

I don’t have to dress for supper, do you think? I’m 
neat enough. I wish I had your genius for clothing 
yourself. Peg. Those soft, trailing frocks you wear in 
the house always make you look dressed up, even if they 
are off a bargain counter, and never cost more than ten 
cents a yard. Somehow, a short skirt and shirt-waist 
look so stumpy beside them.” 

Daddy always liked me to wear these,” replied Peggy, 
^^he said it made a woman look more womanly to dress 
so. Don’t you remember how he always insisted on get- 
ting me a light-blue cashmere? That, and black velvet 
(which was always velveteen) were his special pets. I 
think my mother must have worn them,” and Peggy 
sighed as she passed her hand over the folds of the pale- 
blue gown of her father’s choosing. 

I don’t believe papa ever cared what I wore, or what 
I did, so long as I kept out of his way,” said Amy with 
unwonted gravity. Somehow we weren’t like father 
and daughter at all ; not a bit as he was with you. And 
while of course I loved him, I never deceived myself by 
thinking I cared for him as you did. I can’t explain it, 
and I hardly ever worry over questions when I don’t 
know the answers, but occasionally it would come over 
me that mamma and I were like visitors here; visitors 
who had pretty nearly outstayed their welcome, and were 
tolerated rather than desired. Oh well, where’s the use 
of being morbid, especially when I’m invited to choose a 
present ! ” and as usual, Amy’s smiles so quickly fol- 
lowed on her gloom that she was happily discussing 
gowns before Peggy had a chance to answer. 


173 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER XIV. 

Ik the gray dawn of Christmas morning Peggy slipped 
through the gate which divided her garden from God’s 
Acre beyond. She went at once to the plot of ground 
reserved for the resting-place of his race by the Bev- 
erley who had given Church and Churchyard to the 
village, and hung a wreath of holly upon the upright 
stones sacred to the memory of her parents. Then sink- 
ing down by her father’s grave, she remained quite still, 
neither weeping nor praying, but with a dull ache in her 
heart which found no relief in outward expression. 

She was so lonely ! Every year since she could remem- 
ber her father had allowed her to waken him at day- 
break on Christmas — to show him her bursting stocking, 
and her presents, and to cuddle on his bed while both 
wondered over the joys brought by Santa Claus. 

As the world woke up she rose shivering, and drew 
the soft, white shawl she had thrown over head and 
shoulders closer about her. 

Oh, Daddy, Daddy,” she whispered, Pm tr3dng to 
be brave. Honest, Daddy, for if you can see me, and see 
me unhappy, I know you’d mind it too much. Sorrow’s 
natural. Daddy dear, but I don’t sorrow as one without 
hope. I haven’t forgotten your teachings. I’ll be good; 
and I know you love me ; it’s such a comfort to know you 
don’t forget. I wonder if it’s Christmas in Heaven,” she 
murmured, raising her eyes to the flushed east where the 
sun was rising from the sea in a glory of golden light. 

She stood watching it for a moment, then, with the 
indescribable sensation of someone near her, turned 
suddenly, and saw John Beverley leaning against the 


174 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


railing which divided the Churchyard from the path out- 
side. He raised his hat, and seemed about to pass on, 
then turned, and came through the gate to where she 
stood. 

Pardon me if I intrude,^^ he said, holding her cold, 
little hand in the warm clasp of his big one ; I know 
I am almost a stranger to you, and that you wonder at 
my joining you here/' with a glance around him, but 
you are far from being a stranger to me, and when I 
saw you standing here, you seemed so lonesome — and 
the warm hand clasped closer. 

^^You^re very kind,^^ said Peggy, raising eyes brim- 
ming with unshed tears, this is Christmas, you know, 
and I — I — I miss him always, but somehow to-day — 

^^1 know,^^ said John sympathetically, can im- 
agine that a holiday youVe always spent together would 
seem pretty dreary to the one who was left. May I say 
I^m sorry for you, little girl ? 

Peggy nodded, and turned to leave the Churchyard, 
and Beverley turned with her, still holding her hand, 
and in a sort of dazed happiness at the fact. 

^^Won^t you come in?^^ asked Peggy, when they 
reached the dividing gate, and she withdrew her hand 
without a suspicion of coquetry, or even realization of 
his having so long held it in his. know there’s al 
fire,” she said smiling, I see the smoke, and you must 
be cold. By the way, do you generally take your walks 
abroad at sunrise? You’re a mighty energetic person 
if you have many habits of this sort.” 

John’s throat went dry and his heart thumped until 
it deafened him. Should he tell her? And before he 
could decide, he was telling her everything. 

Peggy,” he said in a voice so unlike his own that 
she looked up at him in surprise, I’ve got to tell you 
something, even though I weaken any little chance I 
might have; but I want you to know that I love you — • 
wait — don’t speak — ^let me say it this once,” he cried 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


175 


hoarsely, as she started and seemed about to speak. 
"You ask me whether I often walk about before dawn; 
well, since I have known you, I\e haunted this house 
at all hours of the day and night. I know Pve only 
known you a month, but the very day I arrived you 
passed our place, up there in a row boat — ^you were 
standing with the sculling oar in your hand, and you 
were singing something about a swinging chariot. 
Peggy, Vye carried that picture in my heart ever since. 
And no matter if I have only known you a month, Pve 
loved you from the moment I saw you, and 1^11 go on 
loving you as long as I live — and longer. If there^s any 
chance for me, give me a trial, Peggy. Let me teach 
you to love me. My God!^^ he cried, catching her 
hands and holding them in a grasp that hurt her, "it 
can^t be that Fve got to face life without you! Peggy 
— please try, won^t you ? 

" I was never more surprised in my life,” said Peggy 
in a low voice, "and — and — ^troubled. I— you — are 
you sure iPs me ? ” she asked, " for as a rule, you know, 
I know, and can sometimes arrange matters so I needn^t 
answer. But, please believe me, I didn’t know, and I 
wouldn’t have hurt you for the world.” And the tears 
which had been so near to falling all the morning, now 
fell unheeded down her cheeks. 

"Peggy,” he said quietly, "do you love anyone else? 
as a lover, I mean.” 

" No, of course not. I’ve never loved anybody in that 
way,” replied Peggy shyly, " and do don’t think I’m not 
proud and thankful for your love,” she went on, flush- 
ing scarlet under his gaze. " I’m in bitter need of love 
— I long for it — and in all the world I haven’t anyone 
who belongs to me; whom I have the right to devote 
myself to. I love Dr. Martineau, and I know he loves 
me as if I were his own daughter, but we’re not kinfolk 
— ^’Te Lulu is my stepmother you know,” she added as 
an afterthought, " and though Amy and I are good 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


176 

friends, we really aren^t half so fond of each other as we 
ought to be. Oh, I^m hungry for love, but I never even 
thought of you except as a pleasant acquaintance, with 
an interesting similarity of name, and I^m shocked — I 
don^t know how to explain 

You don^t have to explain. Don^t you think I 
know?^^ and John paused to regain control of his voice. 

Sweetheart,^^ he went on, I don^t want you to love 
me as you love Dr. Martineau, or anybody else in the 
world. I want you to love me as I love you — to be 
happy with me alone, and I want you to desire my love 
as I desire yours. I^m not going to take no for an 
answer, Peggy, I^m going to win you. If honest devo- 
tion and the entire love of my heart can touch you, you 
will be my wife. Try to reconcile yourself to the 
thought, Peggy, and I promise Fll never worry you 
about it if I can help it. But I love you — I love you, 
sweetheart. Oh, I didn^t know it was possible to love 
anyone as I love you ! and John turned with a sort of 
groan at his inability to explain. 

^^Pm sorrier than I can say to have caused you 
trouble,^^ said Peggy, and indeed I can^t promise to — 
to 

You needn^t promise. You needn^t do a thing; Pll 
do it all. I just want you to remember when you feel 
lonely, that John Beverley loves you with his whole 
heart. Give me the right to think you are not angry 
anyhow,” he added, that will be the best Christmas 
gift I can have.” 

Well, I can certainly say that Pm not angry,” smiled 
Peggy. 1^11 even ask you to come in and have break- 
fast, won^t you ? ” 

IPs an awful temptation, but I won^t worry you to 
that extent. You don^t know the strength it takes to 
leave you. May I come down for half an hour his after- 
noon? And you’ll be at Church I suppose?” 

Yes, to both questions,” replied Peggy, who had re- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


177 


gained her composure, and was even enjoying the situa- 
tion. If I didn^t appear at Church, where would you 
get your organist ? And donT you know we choir people 
make ourselves particularly objectionable on Christmas ? 
And if you will come this afternoon, Pll show you my 
presents 

'^Will you let me give you mine then? May I see 
you alone and give it to you ? interrupted John eagerly, 
and as she hesitated he bent suddenly and kissed the two 
little hands that lay in his; then before she could 
answer, raised his hat and walked quickly away. 

Merry Christmas, Uncle Doctor, cried Peggy, who 
had lurked on the little stairway leading choirward until 
the familiar form of the doctor loomed in the doorway, 
for she remembered John had asked if she would be in 
Church, and her shyness increased at the thought of 
another meeting. 

When she turned from the organ as the sermon began, 
she shot a fleeting glance around the small congregation, 
and was horrified to feel her face flush as she met his 
look. After that she was careful to keep her eyes riveted 
on the mild and rather sheepish face of Dr. Draper, and 
never again let them wander during all the good man^s 
discourse — a discourse which naturally, on that festival, 
reeked with shepherds and had much to do with mangers ; 
yet lacked one mention of the love which brought the 
Christ Child down to bear the sins of millions yet unborn, 
and so gain Heaven for the world of men. 

Merry Christmas ! responded Dr. Martineau draw- 
ing her hand through his arm. You don^t happen to 
remember what killed the cat, do you ? 

Yes, curiosity,^^ replied Peggy promptly, so see 
that you don^t keep my present from me much longer, or I 
won^t answer for the result. Cats have nine lives, so 
they can afford to drop one now and then when in the 
throes of unassuaged curiosity, but so far as I know, Pve 
but the one, and I don^t want to throw that away, iso 


178 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


youM better hand it over ! And Peggy chattered gaily 
to her old friend, all the while aware that the new one 
was just behind her waiting to be recognized. 

Merry Christmas, mamma. Merry Christmas, every- 
body,^^ cried Amy coming up with Mr. Worthington and 
several of the guests from Paradise. Mamma, Peggy, 
I want you to meet my friends. This is my mother, Mrs. 
Beverley, Mrs. van Kamp, and my sister. Dr. Martineau, 
Mrs. van Kamp, and Miss Abbott and Miss Black. Pm 
not very good at introductions, having lived all my life 
with people who knew each other long before I was born, 
so I never have any practice. LePs all go over home and 
get warm, wonT you ? The Church was like ice. Come 
on, Mr. Beverley, you ought to feel at home under a 
Beverley roof,^^ and Amy led the way through the divid- 
ing gate, Mr. Worthington following with Mrs. Beverley, 
and the rest bunched as they chanced to stand. 

The great drawing-room with its heavy yellow brocade 
curtains and the carved and gilded furniture brought 
from France while the colonies were happily resting in 
the arms of the mother country, were seldom used, 'but 
on Christmas morning Peggy had seen that great oak 
logs were laid in the two huge fireplaces which faced 
each other at opposite ends of the room, and by the time 
Church was over they had burned themselves into glow- 
ing furnaces of warmth and beauty. 

Do you all go in and get warm while I run up stairs, 
and see my presents,^^ cried Amy motioning toward the 
drawing-room and darting off two steps at a time. 

Dieudonnee — ^you really must not,'* fretted Mrs. 
Beverley, but Amy was gone, so she followed the others 
into the drawing-room in time to hear Mrs. van Kamp^s 
eulogies. 

^^Dear me,^^ said that lady, standing in the middle 
of the room, and staring around her through a long- 
handled lorgnette. ^^Why, I feel as if I were in that 
North Western place, whaPs the name of it? The place 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


179 


where they make ancestral timber to order. They have 
acres of it, and all you^e got to do is to turn on the 
tap, and youTe provided with Chippendale, Sheraton, or 
Hepplewhite, as you prefer, and ready-made legends to 
boot, I dare say, while you wait. It must feel rather like 
living in a junkshop, doesnT it ? she asked, fixing her 
keen, old eyes on Mrs. Beverley^s flushed face, and enjoy- 
ing the discomforture she saw there. 

I donT know,” began Mrs. Beverley feebly, when 
Peggy who was standing near, came to her rescue. 

I dare say old things are copied nowadays,” she said 
pleasantly, as so few people cared to keep their old gear 
when they could buy new. As for me, these belongings 
of my forebears are very dear to me, and it^s a mercy 
that I prefer them to any others, for iPs been half a 
century since we could afford to buy anything so easily 
done without as furniture, and Fd have to live with our 
old gear, anyhow.” 

Mrs. van Kamp turned her lorgnette from Mrs. 
Beverley to Peggy, but the younger woman remained 
quite placid under her scrutiny, and pushing forward a 
large chair which stood on one side of the fireplace, said, 
^^won^t you sit here Mrs. van Kamp? You^ll be warm, 
yet out of the direct heat of the fire, and I want to get 
one of my Christmas gifts to show you.” 

Mrs. van Kamp sank into the chair provided, and 
Peggy left the room, returning almost immediately with 
a little basket in her hand. ^^Look, everybody,^^ she 
cried, do look at my present from Felix ! ” And 
opening the lid, disclosed a small Angora kitten, whose 
long, soft fur and heavy ruff was silver gray, and whose 
eyes, as he opened them upon the company shone like 
beryl. 

The little creature yawned, stretched, then jumped 
from the basket, and sat contentedly on Peggy^s shoulder. 
As she stood there, in her soft, clinging gown of gray 
velvet, a touch of old Honiton lace at neck and wrist, her 


i8o 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Chinchilla stole half off, and her exquisite face framed 
by the great, gray picture hat, each of the three men 
watching her, admitted to himself that she was the most 
beautiful woman he had ever seen. And Dr. Martineau 
gloried in her loveliness, and was as proud of her as if 
she were indeed the daughter he so often called her, 
while Beverley lashed himself with the thought that he 
could never hope to win such a woman for his wife, yet 
even with the thought in his mind, determined that she 
should be his and no other^s ; and Worthington, with his 
eyes upon her, noted her fair face, framed in red-gold 
curls — her clear, pale skin, scarlet lips just parted to 
show the small, white teeth, great, radiant, gray eyes, 
shadowed by long, black lashes, and full, rounded figure, 
whose every perfect line and curve spoke of health and 
strength and glorious womanhood. And while he gloated 
over each and every perfection, and wished wishes which 
he dared not allow himself to think, instinctively 
acknowledged to himself that she would never fall in 
with any desire of his, nor in her high innocence 
recognize that there had been any reason to distrust his 
admiration. 

The girls who had come to Paradise with Mrs. van 
Kamp were amiable, and admired the kitten in a 
perfectly well-bred, but by no means enthusiastic 
manner, and Peggy, who was always prone to the ^^love 
me love my dog,^^ attitude, decided that she did not care 
about them, and was glad she had refused the invitation 
to spend Christmas week under the same roof. 

It was a relief to Peggy when Amy came down stairs, 
loud in her admiration of the presents she had found 
wrapped and addressed in her room. She drew Peggy 
aside under pretence of having a refractory hook fastened 
on her collar, and whispered quickly, Peg, you 
shouldn't — I never was more surprised — or delighted. 
IPs exactly what I wanted. You know I always wanted 
mink, I wear so much brown, and iPs such lovely mink. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


i8i 

Honest, I thought it was sable at first. I never saw but 
one bit of sable, and that was so old and mothy, maybe 
it didnT count, but if thaPs the way sable always looks, 
a heap rather have my mink ; and iPs the very shape 
I would have chosen, and the muff is as big as a barrel. 
It must have cost oodles of money, didnH it?^^ 

DonT you dare look gift furs in the price ! 
whispered Peggy, still fumbling with the long-hooked 
hook. But you know I detest cheap things, and I had 
a little money from the crop this year, so I gave us all a 
present. Oh, I do love to spend ! she sighed. 

I feel awfully badly at not giving you anything but 
those handkerchiefs,^^ said Amy fiushing, but I hadn’t 
a cent, and I had to get something for the McLanes, 
and that simply finished me. Anyhow, they are fine 
linen, and I hemstitched them and embroidered your 
monogram myself.” 

^^Amy! You didn’t!” cried Peggy, ^^why it took 
you months, didn’t it? There are a whole dozen! I 
am perfectly delighted with them, and a gift is worth 
lots more when iPs made on purpose — You make me 
ashamed of my laziness.” 

You lazy ! ” laughed Amy, when you were gallop- 
a-trotting all over this burning fiery furnace the whole 
summer long. Well, I’m glad you’re pleased, and I tell 
you, I’m delighted. I’m going to wear the furs back, 
but don’t let’s tell they were a present. I’ll just pretend 
I had them all winter, and if anybody asks me. I’ll say 
you gave me a turquoise ring.” 

Would you like me to lend you one?” asked Peggy. 

I’ve got two, you know, and one — ^the big one — ^looks 
like new. I’d give it to you if it hadn’t belonged to my 
mother, so I can’t, but I’ll lend it indefinitely. Here, 
run up and get it.” 

Peg, you’re a brick ; thank you ! ” and Amy again 
sped up stairs, returning in a few moments with the. 
ring in evidence. 


1 82 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


^^Come along good people/^ cried Mrs. van Kamp, 
as Amy appeared for the second time, ^^weVe left Sue 
to the tender mercies of a pair of moonstruck lovers, and 
she^s probably dead of boredom; I am myself/^ And 
Mrs. van Kamp Smiled impertinently at Mrs. Beverley 
who flushed and held her tongue although the reply she 
kept back was bitter, and she longed for the relief of 
speech. As they went through the hall, Mrs. McLane 
and Felix entered through the piazza, and Mrs. van 
Kamp called out, Well, of all people ! I thought you 
were in Egypt, or Cuba, or any old place abounding in 
niggers, and Pm not so far wrong after all; am I ? But 
Honoria McLane of all people! And whereas the 
domine ? 

Mrs. McLane came forward with outstretched hand, 
but the elder lady insisted upon being kissed on both 
cheeks. I don^t allow everyone that privilege, 
Honoria, but Pm glad to see you. How in the world 
did you get here?^^ And from the glance bestowed 
upon Mrs. McLane^s environment, it was easy to guess 
that Mrs. van Kamp would not long enjoy the attraction 
of Oglethorpe. 

We were shipwrecked and rescued by Dr. Martineau 
here,^^ answered Felix, as his mother turned to speak 
to the two girls. It was awfully romantic,^^ he went 
on, ^^and if one of these young ladies — ^who did won- 
drous stunts in the life-saving department, by whooping 
up the courage of the gallant crew — if one of them 
doesn^t yield to my entreaties and accept me as a 
permanent ornament to her heart and home, I shall 
never again believe in sentiment plus opportunity.^^ 

^^Well, which of you will accept his heart and his 
burden of wealth? It isn’t often a girl has a chance to 
fish money out of sea water. "V^ich is the lucky 
damsel?” said Mrs. van Kamp, staring at them alter- 
nately through her lorgnette. 

Both of us,” replied Peggy calmly, you can’t think 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


183 


either would resign her chance to the other, can you? 
We^ll arrange matters on the basis that there’s enough 
for both, and if Felix is incidentally torn limb from 
limb in the struggle, you won’t mind, will you, Mrs. 
McLane? It would only show our appreciation of his 
virtues, and should be taken as a compliment.” 

Peggy,” cried Mrs. McLane, if I can get you for a 
daughter. I’ll have no wish ungratified! And Amy, if 
Felix were only twins, I should give his brother to you ! ” 
^^Oh, Felix, why aren’t you a dual personality — ^the 
sort of thing one reads about nowadays ? My chance is 
over, and I’m bereft of my rightful catch I ” cried Amy, 
throwing her arm around her mother’s neck and kissing 
her good-bye. 

Mammy, do you hear how they have repudiated your 
daughter ! By all the laws of deep-sea fishing, I ought 
to have half of him, but Peg’s so greedy ! ” And with 
a bewitching little moue at the smiling Felix, she joined 
her party and went through the garden to the waiting 
car. 


184 


PRETTY TEGGY Q 


CHAPTER XV. 

Chkistmas dinner was over. Dr. Martineau and his 
sister had returned to their own fira^ide. Mrs. Beverley 
slept heavily in her chamber, and Dr. McLane talked 
over old times with his sister-in-law and nephew. 

Free at last, Peggy scampered up to her room. It was 
growing late. He had asked to come in the afternoon, 
but perhaps he considered his stopping in after Church 
equivalent to a visit? ^^But he didn’t open his lips,” 
said Peggy to herself as she hesitated with her hand on 
the wardrobe door. ^^Well, Pll do it anyhow. Who’ll 
know ? ” 

She opened a drawer, and from its enfolding tissue 
took out a gown she had never worn, although it was 
over a year old, having been a present from her father 
not long before his death. She had a fancy to put on 
something gay, and she smiled to herself as she reflected 
that there was no lack of gaiety in the dress before her, 
in whatever else it might be found wanting. 

Slipping it over her head she walked slowly up to the 
long mirror set like a panel in the wall, and looked 
critically at her reflection. 

What she saw pleased her, as it could hardly fail to 
do, for the frock of soft glistening crepe de Chine, which 
hung in straight folds to her feet, was of a vivid flashing 
scarlet, with no vestige of white or black or any relieving 
shade, and with no trimming but the heavy embroidery 
which formed the broad girdle and outlined the round 
neck and elbow sleeves. 

Standing before the mirror, she swayed slightly, that 
the light might play on the glistening stuff, and as she 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


185 


raised her skirt to alter the position of a fold, she saw 
she had forgotten the especial touch in which she had so 
delighted when planning the costume. Murder ! she 
whispered to herself as she drew on the scarlet silk stock- 
ings and slipped her feet into the little high-heeled 
slippers of the same vivid color. 

If I had forgotten these, Pd have stopped him in 
the most loveracious part, and run back here to get 
them. I don’t care,” she thought as she looked out at 
the gathering twilight. He may come, or he may go, 
but I’ll go down stairs and pretend I’m not thinking 
about anything.” So, with such variation of the quota- 
tion she had in her mind that it amounted to an entirely 
different speech, Peggy fluffed up her hair, and with a 
last and satisfied glance in the mirror, ran down to the 
drawing-room, where she seated herself in a great, high- 
back chair, and, with her red slippers on the fender, 
appeared engrossed in a book. 

So greatly was she interested that she could not have 
heard the clang of the old, brass-knocker, nor Treason’s 
speech as he ushered Beverley into the room, for she did 
not move until he stood beside her, when she started — 
very naturally for a girl new to such subterfuges — and 
held out her hand in surprised welcome. 

I’m afraid I ought not to have come,” said John, 
drawing the chair to which she motioned close to hers ; 
I thought maybe you’d mistake my dumb presence here 
this morning for a visit, but I couldn’t help trying, and 
I’m awfully obliged to you for putting up with me.” 

I wonder if you’re always so voracious in the matter 
of humble pie ! ” asked Peggy smiling. You didn’t 
strike me as particularly groveling when I first met you; 
in fact, I was persuaded that you thought us all just 
country crackers, and your serene indifference to our 
opinion of you, fairly awed me by its chilly aloofness ! ” 
and Peggy laughed maliciously. 

^^You think I thought you a cracker?” exclaimed 


i86 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


John. ^^What sort of cracker? Oh, I know, you want 
to say to me, ^ you need a biscuit,^ is that it? 

Biscuit? Why, no. Of course not. Don^t you know 
what a cracker is? IPs a sort of countrified, poor white 
trash, somebody. As a rule only the up-country people 
are called crackers. I believe their term for that variety 
of unpleasantness when they live along the coast is 
Yahoo, but Pm not sure. Maybe you thought I was a 
Yahoo ?^^ 

I thought you were everything that was beautiful 
and charming and desirable,^^ responded John earnestly, 
and the opinion has grown on me to that extent that 
I^m quite unable to think or talk about anything else. 
Worthington told me yesterday that he believes my 
brain is softening, and that he"s going to set old Mrs van 
Kamp on me, as a mental stiffener.^^ 

Oh what a dreadful woman,^^ exclaimed Peggy, who 
had taken her remarks about her furniture very much to 
heart. Is she always so scathing ? 

^^Why, she had on gloves, to-day,^^ replied John, 
laughing. You ought to hear how she talks to those 
girls she carries about, and does for, generally. She calls 
them Froggy-toads, and treats them like — I declare, Pve 
often felt like putting a plaster over her bitter mouth, 
for the more you^ll take, the more she^ll slang you. Oh, 
she^s a ripper, no two ways about that!^^ 

^^But why do the girls go about with her?” asked 
Peggy, wondering. Do they like her ? 

I don^t know, of course, replied John, cheerfully. 
^^But I think it very likely that the sweetest dream 
those poor girls ever have, is that they^ve got a chance 
to murder Emily van Kamp, and that they’re doing it, 
to slow music, and many yells from the victim. Ko,” 
he added slowly, I imagine they’re girls of excellent 
family and no money, ^e dresses them — stakes them 
all over the world — and gives them opportunities of 
many sorts, which they would never know without her 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


187 


and her money. But they pay for it, it seems to me, 
and I think I never saw girls with such rasped nerves, 
and bitter natures. I^m sorry for them, but to me 
they’re awfully unattractive.” 

How many of them are there ? ” asked Peggy. Is 
it a life position, or can they cut loose when it gets too 
hard?” 

Oh, they generally manage to marry off in a few 
years,” replied John. She has three in tow at pres- 
ent, but occasionally the stock runs out entirely. I 
doubt if these lemons are easily disposed of, however. 
They’re a proud lot, or they were — they can’t have much 
pride left, I suppose, when she keeps flinging their de- 
pendence in their faces. She seems to enjoy nothing 
so much as flicking them on the raw.” 

Did she ever have anyone of her very own to love ? 
asked Peggy ' thoughtfully, should think it would 
have had a humanizing effect, if she had.” 

^^Yes, I believe she had a daughter, who died just 
as she grew up,” answered John, and now I think of 
it, she told Sue Worthington yesterday, that you look 
very much like her. She must have been very beautiful,” 
he said simply ; and Peggy flushed, and was angry with 
herself for flushing. 

The surprise she had felt at John Beverley’s words in 
the Churchyard that morning, had been entirely sub- 
merged in a sort of pleasurable excitement. Her quiet 
life has been punctuated at times, by lovers, whose pro- 
posals she had avoided when possible, or rejected as 
gently as their view of the situation would permit. Hot 
one had touched her heart on even the remotest edge, 
and until that day Peggy had cherished her girlish 
fancies, and dreamed her white, maidenly dreams in 
peaceful restfulness. 

But with her recognition of Beverley’s position, she 
had not known herself. With one-half of her brain she 
^emed to scorn herself for her desire to appear beautiful 
in his eyes; to let him realize in full the value of the 


i88 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


prize for which he was reaching out, and to add to his 
infatuation by such innocent coquetry as she had at her 
command. Yet with the other half, she strove for just 
those things, and to her own astonishment did every- 
thing to strengthen his admiration. 

Beverley was so entirely different from any man she 
had ever met, that Peggy was bewildered by his attitude 
toward herself. 

The few men of her acquaintance were for the most 
part, neighboring planters, her friends from child- 
hood, who presented nothing novel to attract her girl- 
ish fancy. Beverley, however, was a man of the world, 
and to the little country girl this was an attribute of 
tremendous interest. He had lived in many lands, 
and had won fortune and honor by his work in Af- 
rica; strenuous work, which had terminated in the 
illness from which he was recuperating at Paradise — 
all of which caused him to loom large in the imagination 
of one naturally given to hero worship. And the fact 
that he, who had seen so many women, had fallen before 
the first sight of her charms, was so surprising, and so 
unexpected, that the girl was bewildered, and felt that 
she was drifting without the power, or perhaps the will 
to resist. 

hTot that Peggy was in love. Until that morning, 
she had given no more thought to Beverley than to any 
other man at Paradise. It was his love for her that 
changed the situation, and woman-like', Peggy played 
with it; not realizing that it might give unnecessary 
pain to a man she admired, and even liked, and that if 
she persisted in handling fire, she ran the risk of burn- 
ing. 

^^Did you ever see such a lovely kitten asked 
Peggy, bending to lift the tiny creature, and holding 
him in a warm, furry ball beneath her chin. Look at 
his collar, isnT it odd ? ” and she parted the silvery ruff 
to show a tiny gold bangle with the inscription Felix 
' — the property of Margaret Maturin Beverley 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


189 

So Felix is the property of Margaret Maturin Bev- 
erley, is he?^^ enquired John grimly. ^^Fm sorry for 
him, for that position canT be reversed, Margaret 
Maturin Beverley is going to hold on to her name. IPs 
a very good one, and she^s satisfied with it, but after a 
few months she^s going to have her visiting cards 
a little changed, and they are going to read Mrs. John 
Carter Beverley, did you know that ? 

know that you are a mighty funny cousin,^^ she 
said with a laugh. Don’t you think you are rather 
given to jumping to conclusions ? I don’t believe I ever 
knew anyone so active in that line ! ” 

You don’t know me,” replied John with conviction. 

Pm the most backward fellow living. You haven’t an 
idea how dreadfully afraid I am of you ! I want to give 
you a Christmas gift, and I’m in a blue funk for fear 
you’ll be angry. Are you very vicious when you’re 
angry?” 

^^That I am!” said Peggy. don’t wonder you 
tremble before me. I could allow Mrs. van Kamp cards 
and spades, yet beat her at her own game, so beware ! 
Show me the present please, I’m so excited about it. 
You told me this morning that you had one for me, and 
I was dreadfully afraid that you had forgotten it 1 ” 

John laughed as he put his hand in his pocket. 

Shut your eyes,” he said, now keep them shut until 
I say ^ Open Sesame,’ then the present will be yours 
without recourse. Now to make the charm effective, 
there are certain forms and passes which are necessary, 
so don’t be surprised if I touch your hand for a moment. 
Now, eyes shut — ^hands extended — fingers apart — :! am 
now making the movement which assures acceptance; 
now that which guards against anger — now one which 
guarantees all that the gift stands for — now, ^ Open 
Sesame’!” And John quickly slipped a ring on the 
fourth finger of Peggy’s left hand, which had been held 
out to him in happy unconsciousness of his project. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


190 

Oh ! she cried, as she opened her eyes, and saw the 
flashing diamond on her finger, ^^oh, how beautiful! 
Why iPs as big as a chinquepin — or bigger! IPs the 
most beautiful stone I ever saw, but honest Mr. Bev- 
erley, I can’t accept it you know — I declare,” she cried 
turning on him childishly, " I think you’re a torment ! 
I want it so, and of course I can’t take it! I couldn’t 
accept anything like that from any man — any man not a 
relation, I mean, and I certainly can’t take it from a 
man I’ve only known a few weeks. I couldn’t, if you 
were named Beverley a hundred times in a straight line ! 
I hate to do it — ^but here, take it back — and please don’t 
think I’m ungrateful ; it’s just because I want it so, that 
I’m so cross about it. Here ! ” 

John’s hand closed over the one held out to him 
as he answered earnestly, you’re not taking it from a 
man you’ve known only a few weeks, sweetheart, you’re 
taking it from the man who loves you with his whole 
heart, and who is going to marry you as soon as you let 
him. The ring is my mothePs engagement ring,” he 
went on, that’s the reason I happen to have it with me, 
for I keep it by me always, though I never wear jewelry. 
Do you think I would give my mothePs ring to any 
woman except my wife ? Keep it, Peggy, even if you 
can’t promise at once. Keep it until you can. I beg 
you to keep it. It will be a sort of guage that I have 
some chance. Dear heart, I won’t take advantage of the 
little concession, but keep it for the present, won’t 
you ? ” 

Oh, what a temptatious person you are ! ” cried 
Peggy in comical indecision. ^^It’s a perfect beauty. 
Well, I’m human. Don’t blame me; I blame myself 
quite enough, but — I’ll tell you what — ^you lend it to 
me, and I’m ever and ever and ever so much obliged to 
you for the loan. Thank you ! ” And Peggy moved her 
hand backward and forward in the glow of the fire 
watching the iridescent play of colors in the stone, 


PRETTY PEGGY O igt 

John took the hand with the ring on it, and bending, 
kissed it fervently, then raising his head looked at her 
with a face so transfigured with love that she wondered 
at her own power, and flushed, and could not meet his 
eyes as he whispered brokenly, Peggy sweetheart — ^wife ! 


192 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


CHAPTER XVL 

^^Well, here I am. What on earth made you send 
for me?^^ asked Amy, coming quickly into the little 
sewing-room where Peggy and the one dressmaker of 
Oglethorpe were up to their eyes in work. 

If you could have seen Stratagem/^ she continued, 
flinging off her damp jacket, and beginning a struggle 
with her rubber overshoes, you^d have commanded me 
by mail. Of all the scarecrows! And Mr. Worthing- 
ton would have him in where we were decorating the 
room we^re to dance in, and everybody laughed and 
Strat just stood there scraping and grinning till I could 
have flayed him ! And Mr. Worthington and Mr. Bev- 
erley talked to him like old friends, all about ducks and 
shooting, and I had to explain how he came by that ab- 
solutely ninnyish name — and what^s it all about, any- 
how ? I^m coming home to-morrow. CouldnT you have 
waited ? 

^^Hardly,^^ answered Peggy, ^^for I sent for you to 

see about your gown for to-night 

You know as well as I do, that Fve got to wear that 
battle-scarred veteran of a washed organdie. I don’t 
mean to complain. Peg, but Pm grouchy. You’re kind 
to try to help, but I’m beyond hope — and I resent it.” 

^^If you’ll let me get in a word edgeways,” said 
Peggy, I’d tell you that I sent for a party frock for you 
when I sent for the others, but I didn’t say anything as 
I was almost sure it wouldn’t get here in time. How- 
ever, it arrived this morning, so I sent for you at once. 
Come on over in my room and see it.” 

Oh, Peg, I’m ashamed of myself,” cried Amy. I 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


193 


never imagined such good luck. Do hurry ! And Amy 
pirouetted about the room, while Peggy took a flat box 
from the wardrobe. 

You canT get evening dresses ready-made, you 
know, she said, as she began to unwrap it,^^ so I knew 
our only chance was a box gown, and as you had that 
black satin skirt — ^the one that hangs so well — and the 
underwaist, I got one of these black spangled things. 
TheyYe not new, but if you can stay a couple of hours 
we can fling it together and it ought to be awfully be- 
coming. IsnT it a graceful pattern 

Oh, Peg, iPs lovely — such lots and lots of spangles ! 
I\e always longed for one of these things. Look here, 
Peggy, do you think we could pinch two waists out of 
it? I hardly ever need to wear low neck, morels the 
pity, and last summer I saw a woman in just such a 
stunning gown — like this — only high neck and half 
sleeves ? 

Why yes, I suppose so, by combining it with a little 
plain net, I^m sure we could. Row come along. Pm 
going to do the fitting and draping myself, and Sabina 
can sew the stiches.” 

So Amy stood and turned, and advised, while Peggy, 
on her knees with her mouth full of pins and her eyes 
fixed alternately on the gown itself, and its reflections 
in the mirror, slowly arranged the skirt, until, when she 
rose, she regarded it with unalloyed satisfaction. 

If I do say it who shouldnT,^^ she cried, I don^t 
believe youM get a better setting skirt in Paris. Now, 
for the waist 

Do let there be precious little of thaV^ said Amy. 

To begin with, I need the stuff, and to end with, we’re 
the sort of girls whose looks improve as we strip.” 

Do ! ” cried Peggy, that sounds too disgraceful. 
Why don’t you say we have good shoulders — or arms — 
or — I declare I don’t know what I’m talking about. Do 
hold still ! This beastly pattern has to go in the mid- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


194 

die, and it keeps pulling over to one side. Oh, here^s 
whaPs the matter. For gracious^ sake Amy, stop leap- 
ing into the air like a hooked fish. I didnT mean to 
stick you ! 

I^m sure you didn’t,^^ replied Amy with unexpected 
amiability, but the pin went in up to the head, and I 
was a bit startled, thaPs all.^^ 

Now, 1^11 run with it to Sabina, while you get into 
your frock. You must be frozen, said Peggy, when the 
last pin had been carefully placed. ^^Pve got a little 
coyness for your hair, which you may wear or not as you 
like. IPs in the top drawer, look at it.^^ And Peggy 
hurried over to the workroom with the spangled gown. 

By the way, what are you going to cover your own 
youth and beauty with?^^ asked Amy when she came 
back. 

Why, I was going to wear my Indian muslin,’^ re- 
plied Peggy, ^^but Uncle Doctor worried and worried, 
until he found out, and then he darned the devil for ten 
minutes, until he got me into such an apologetic frame 
of mind that I said yes, and thank you, when he offered 
me a gown. And what do you think the dear old fellow 
did ? Sent Miss Martineau off to Charleston with one of 
my old waists that fits me best, and a monument of 
measurements, and in three or four days, she came home 
with this ! and Peggy drew a great box from under the 
four-post bed, and began taking out the tissue paper. 

^^I hate to show it, Amy, when yours is only a box 
gown,^^ she said flushing. If either of us was to wear 
white, it should have been you, you^re younger, but 
honestly, I didnT know what Miss Martineau was going 
to bring, though I had a hideous dread that it would be 
something in that deep, grass-pink shade she^s so fond 
of branding on her own wardrobe. But look here ! ” and 
Peggy drew out a gown of gleaming white satin, quite 
plain except for a little delicate gold embroidery on the 
waist. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


19s 


Oil, Peg ! cried Amy, drawing a long breath, 
^^IsnT it gorgeous? And did you ever see such stuff? 
It isnT white, and it isnT* cream — ^what is it? A sort 
of clear pink, but you^d never know it wasnT pure 
white, if you hadnT something to compare it with ; but 
it^s so much more becoming for that ghost of a blush. 
Nobody can wear dead- white satin except brides and 
corpses,^^ went on Amy, because it doesn^t matter what 
either of these poor out-of-it looks like. The groom has 
to step up and go through with the performance, once 
the party of the other part has got him as far as the 
chancel, and as for the other — ^you canT add much to 
the ghastliness of death — so it’s quite in place there, 
too.” 

Well ! ” said Peggy, regarding her with wonder, if 
that speech had been quoted to me as one of Amy Bev- 
erley’s, I’d know they were no-such-thinging ! Is that 
the manner of conversation at Paradise ? ” 

No, nor the matter either,” replied Amy, I was 
thinking, so I didn’t attend to what I was saying. No- 
body can think and speak at the same time ; at any rate, 
I can’t. But I’d like to ask you something, Margaret 
Maturin, if you don’t mind — And Amy paused, 
staring out at the billows of thick, white mist that swept 
around the house. 

Peg,” she said at last, you’ve been awfully good 
to me lately; not that you aren’t always, but you’ve 
been so specially kind since papa left us, and I’d like to 
know — I mean — Then taking her courage in both 
hands she asked, Peggy, why is mamma always saying 
things against you? She insists that you want to turn 
us out, and that you’re so jealous, because papa married 
a second time, that you can’t bear the sight of us, and 
that you’ve trampled on her honor — and — ^you know the 
sort of thing. What’s the matter ? ” 

I’m sure I don’t know,” replied Peggy, ’Te Lulu 
has always resented the fact that this house is mine, but 
I didn’t know she disliked me that much ! ” 


196 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


I donH know that she dislikes yon mnch more than 
she does me/^ said Amy, with a little quiver in her 
voice. She has always seemed to regard me with a 
sort of reproachful resignation, and I don’t believe that 
papa could ever stand the sight of either of us. You 
don’t know how I feel your kindness. Peg,” and Amy 
tugged at her overshoe with nervous fingers. 

Pinkus,” said Peggy, unconsciously using the name 
she had given her when they played together as babies, 
maybe we haven’t been as loving as even step-sisters 
should be. I don’t think ’Te Lulu cared for us to be 
very friendly, but I’m telling you the true for true 
truth, Amy, when I say that I’m very much fonder of 
you than I used to be. I haven’t thought to analyze my 
feelings — I never do — but I find that I really love you 
dearly, and,” she continued shyly, ^^I wish you’d love 
me, Amy. We have so few people to really care for; 
let’s care for each other, eh ? ” 

To Peggy’s astonishment, Amy threw her arms 
around her and burst into a passion of sobs. 

Don’t mind me,” she gasped, I suppose I’m tired. 
I’ve been up late every night, and I’m nervous. I’ll be 
all right, but Peg — no matter what happens — you’ll 
stick by me, won’t you? And I’ll stick by you, if you 
want me to, but you’re such a favorite, you won’t need 
me the way I need you. But you will, won’t you, Peggy ? 
Oh, I’m awfully foolish, but I believe this cloud-burst 
has cleared me up. I’ll walk back. My eyes will be 
all right by the time I get there, and a red nose is al- 
lowable when the weather is like a cold-storage feather 
bed.” 

Oh, speaking of feathers ! cried Peggy, look ! ” and 
she dipped again into the big box, this time bringing 
back a large boa of white ostrich feathers. ^^Dockelly 
was so worried when I told him my gown was decolt^e 
— and then explained what decoltee meant — that he 
telegraphed Miss Martineau to bring me a white com- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


197 

forter ! And this is her happy translation of the word. 
Isn’t it dandy ? And it reaches spang to my feet.” 

Beautiful ! ” agreed Amy, throwing it around Peg- 
gy’s neck and stepping back to note the result. But, 
what in the world did he think decoltee meant, do you 
suppose ? ” 

don’t suppose, I know!” said Peggy. ^^He 
thought it was a bustle ! ” and both girls laughed aloud. 

Good-bye, Peg. Pm more grateful than you’ll ever 
know for that gown. Be sure you send it over in plenty 
of time, for I mean to prink into unlooked-for loveli- 
ness to-night,” said Amy, as she ran down stairs. 

Peggy watched her from the window until her lithe 
graceful figure was lost in the enveloping mist, and as 
she turned to put away her finery, she remembered with 
a start that Amy had not spoken to her mother while 
she was in the house, and her heart ached to think of 
the girl who, through no fault of her own, was so lack- 
ing in the love she longed for. 

Peggy knelt beside her bed, and for some time 
strengthened her heart with voiceless prayer, and when 
she arose it was with the determination that she would 
stand by her friendless friend, and that though Amy 
might lack father and name, and even mother’s love, so 
far as she could make it up, she should never know or 
feel the loss. 

Amy’s gown was finished and dispatched by Strata- 
gem before dark, and after supper Peggy called Maum’ 
Chloe to come up and help her get into her waist which 
iniquitously fastened in the back. The old woman’s 
black face beamed with delight as she presented herself, 
and bustled about lighting extra candles, and placing 
toilet articles where she considered them needed, in a 
glow of happiness. 

But before she began her own toilette, Peggy slipped 
on her dressing-gown and knocked softly on Mrs. Bev- 
erley’s door. 


198 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


She had never entered the room since their altercation 
about board money, and now, when her stepmother 
called, come in Peggy spoke to her from the door- 
way. 

^Te Lulu,^^ she asked, rather shyly, Can I help 
you in any way? About your gown, I mean. Pll ar- 
range your hair, if you^ll let me. I^m a good hair- 
dresser, you know,^^ and Peggy^s friendly speech trailed 
almost into a whisper under the steady glare of Mrs. 
Beverley^s eyes. 

hTo, I thank you,^^ she replied with studied polite- 
ness. vdll call Spoils if I need anyone; there’s no 
knowing what you might do to make me look disgrace- 
ful. Perhaps your friend Mrs. McLane might trust you, 
as she is so anxious to secure you for a daughter ! Eight 
before my face to say she wouldn’t mind Dieudonnee if 
she had another son to give! Never have I heard any- 
thing like the impudence of that woman,” and Mrs. 
Beverley raised her eyes to the ceiling, as if inquiring 
its reasons for not falling and reducing the impudent 
one to the dust of her ancestry. 

Well, call me if you want me,” said Peggy, closing 
the door softly, and acting on the suggestion, she went 
on to Mrs. McLane’s room, and knocked. 

Come in,” she answered, and as Peggy entered, she 
cried, Oh, Peggy darling ! I never thought of it’s 
being you. Do you mind Felix?” 

^^Why no,” smiled Peggy, not at all realizing that 
there might be anything immodest in her pale-blue 
dressing-gown, and the fact that her hair lacked hair- 
pins, and rolled in red-gold ringlets to her knees. If 
Felix can stand the sight of my dishevelment, I can 
certainly stand his standing it, but I only came for a 
second to know if I can do anything for you — fasten 
your gown — or arrange your hair — or anything like 
that ? ” she asked looking with admiring eyes at the 
elaborate gown of violet velvet lying on the bed. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


199 


Thank yon, Pretty Peggy 0,^^ said Mrs. McLane, 
taking the girPs heavy hair in her hands, and running 
her fingers through the, curls. Felix can do everything 
necessary, but Pm obliged for the kindly thought. 
Look, Fe, did you ever see such hair?^^ 

^^Did you ever see another Peggy asked Felix 
smiling. ^^And Pll tell you a secret, Madre, Pm not 
alone in my admiration for the beauteous damsel now 
before you. There^s a love-lorn youth supposed to 
dwell in this neighborhood, but who really wears out 
the roads, and innumerable pairs of shoes by tramping 
around this house, at the most unexpected as well as 
other hours. In fact, Pve now found the answer to that 
riddle which threatened to turn my infant locks white 
in a single night — ^like — or unlike — somebody or other 
who should have given us a more personal history if 
he wanted to live in our memories. Anyhow, you rec- 
ollect the riddle, don’t you, Peggy? IPs like this, 
^ what goes round and round the house and never — ^ I 
forget what it never does, but I think the answer given 
to assuage my childish curiosity was ^ the wind.’ Row, 
that I have reached maturity, and Oglethorpe, however, 
I know it should be 

Don’t ! ” cried Peggy, with scarlet cheeks. He 
doesn’t ! ” 

Who doesn’t ? ” asked Felix, fixing round, innocent 
eyes on her face, you hear that, mums ? She says he 
doesn’t — but I was going to say 

Good-bye ! ” cried Peggy, running quickly from the 
room; then opening the door just wide enough to slip 
her arm inside, and shake her clenched fist in Felix’s 
direction, she hurrried back to where Maumer was fret- 
ting and watching the clock. 

Case when yo’ ax fo to go to a pa’ty,” she instructed 
her nursling, yo’ gotter git dere on time. ’Tain’t man- 
ners to keep de folks waitin’. Dey ain’t but one place 
yo’ kin low fo’ be late, and dat’s a fun’l. DaPs de one 


200 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


time when the gemman wha’ gi^e de pa^ty ain^t carein’ 
huccome de folks git dey vittles. ^TainT none o’ he 
business, case when we all been eatin’ biscuit an’ coffee, 
de co’pse, he settin’ in Abraham’s buzzum feas’in’ on de 
apples o’ life, and lookin’ fo’ard to milk and honey fo’ 
he dessert. Yes, missy. Come along, here, and let old 
Maumer comb dat hair.” 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


201 


CHAPTER XVII. 

Dr. McLanb was greatly interested in the dress re- 
view held in the library, before he was left to solitude 
and his own devices. 

Despite the most desperate effort of years, Mrs. Bev- 
erley was first to report, Dr. McLane’s unguarded situ- 
ation having probably hurried her into an early ap- 
pearance. Since Mrs. van Kamp^s allusions to Felix as 
wealthy, Mrs. Beverley had formed plans which she 
thought could hardly fail of success. 

It was true nothing was said as to the fortune of the 
elder man, but Mrs. Beverley reflected that he was 
probably most comfortably off. At any rate, his nephew 
would not see him, or his widow want for anything that 
money could provide, and she made out her future on 
such pleasant and profitable lines that she almost forgot 
the necessity of the prospective bridegroom^s consent. 

She was still a handsome woman, Mrs. Beverley re- 
flected, as she regarded herself in the mirror. Quite as 
handsome as when she had been a gay young flirt, and 
she sighed, and smiled, and thought of the broken hearts 
in her triumphal wake, pushing out of sight the tragic 
denouncement of the only real flirtation she had ever 
had, and sailed down the broad stairs, and into the old 
clergyman's presence with the absolute self-satisfaction 
of a narrow, vain, and grasping woman. 

Dear me, what magnificence ! said Dr. McLane 
pleasantly, as Mrs. Beverley stopped where he could get 
the best view, and pretended to arrange a ribbon in her 
bodice. The rich, black lace which almost covered her 
gown, was a relic o:? former possessions, and entirely hid 


202 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


the fact that the velvet foundation was but velveteen 
while her bare neck and arms shone like polished ivory. 
On her head she wore a curious, old-fashioned tiara of 
pearls and topaz, interspersed with a few table dia- 
monds, and around her thick throat a necklace to match. 
Her large, hard cheeks were flushed with gratifled 
vanity as she walked slowly across the room, and stood 
by Dr. McLane’s couch near the Are. 

I didn’t realize you’d be left all alone here,” she said 
sweetly. I don’t care at all for affairs of this sort, and 
if you’ll allow me, I really will be glad to stay at home 
and keep you company.” And Mrs. Beverley beamed 
upon that which seemed to be an elderly gentleman 
with a lame leg, but which, to her happy anticipation, 
was only a houseful of servants, an automobile, and a 
Bank account. 

Why, I wouldn’t have you stay at home on my ac- 
count for the world,” he replied, ^Hhough I am very 
much indebted for your kind offer. No, Pm going to 
bed as soon as I see you all off, and wait until morning 
to hear everything that happens. Well, Felix, Pm glad 
to see you again in evening dress. Dear me, boy, you’re 
growing fat!” and Dr. McLane beamed on the nephew 
who was as his own son, and whose continued improve- 
ment in health often brought tears of happiness to his 
eyes. ^^And Honoria! Well, Pve heard a lot about 
Solomon in all his glory, but he was only a man, and 
not to be compared with the success of the opposite sex, 
when they once turn their attention to dress I ” 

Oh, but Solomon was more or less ladylike him- 
self,” called Peggy’s voice from the hall beyond. He 
wore glorified doodle-sacks which very likely lent them- 
selves comfortably to decoration, and as he had cornered 
the market in wives, he probably kept them from tearing 
each other to tatters, by insisting to each of his other 
halves that he could only be really happy and admired 
when his buttons were sewed on, and his socks darned by 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


203 


her wifely fingers. And if dissension still raged, he very 
likely got them to embroider his Gaberdines, and run 
drawing strings in his divided skirts.^^ 

^^What on earth are you doing out there asked 
Felix curiously. I never saw such modesty and back- 
wardness in coming forward. What are you doing 

Pm unpinning myself,^^ replied Peggy. I didnT 
know you were all comparing notes on youth and beauty 
down here, so Maumer fastened my skirt around me like 
swaddling clothes, and I^m trying to get out, so I can 
show off, too. There ! ThaPs all ! ^ See, the conquer- 
ing heroine comes ! ^ and gathering up the sheaf of 
pale lilac orchids which had arrived with John^s card 
just before dark, Peggy swept down the room in her 
gleaming white gown lightened by touches of gold, her 
exquisite neck and shoulders bare, and her sleeves the 
merest apology for what they stood for. She wore a 
string of large pearls around her throat — pearls that 
had graced many a rout at St. James’ Palace before 
they came to lose themselves in Oglethorpe — and in the 
lace which draped her corsage, there gleamed a great, 
square emerald surrounded by diamonds. 

Whew ! ” whistled Felix, walking around her, and 
pretending to go into spasms of ecstacy for the benefit 
of his audience. tell you Peggy, if the wind, or 
whatever answer you may decide upon to my riddle, 
stops playing ring-around-a-rosy with the house, and 
takes a peep at Paradise instead, I know what he’ll 
think when he sees a young lady of our mutual ac- 
quaintance. Do you want me to tell Uncle Mac what 
you think that I think that he thinks?” 

Before Peggy could answer, there came a sharp knock 
at the door, and the five listening people looked at each 
other in dumb wonder as to the possible identity of a 
visitor at such an hour, and on an evening when all 
social Oglethorpe was supposed to be in full regalia and 
the ball-room at Paradise. 


204 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


They heard Treason pull back the great bolt; then 
steps in the hall told them their visitor had entered, 
and it was with a distinct feeling of relief that they saw: 
John Beverley pass through the door. 

I^m very glad I^m in time — ^good-evening, ladies — 
good-evening, doctor, ^lo Felix,^^ he said. IPs a nasty 
night, Mrs. Beverley, so I took the liberty of coming 
over for you in the car. The dancing had commenced 
when I left,^^ he said to Peggy, as Mrs. Beverley pro- 
fessed herself almost ready and more than willing to ac- 
company him, so youM better hurry if you^re as fond 
of that exercise as your step-sister. DonT forget you\e 
promised me the cotillion.” 

I^m not likely to,” smiled Peggy, for I doubt if I 
get another invitation. The few dances that Pve at- 
tended were marked by a preponderance of the fair sex 
which proved a thorough damper on the sex which 
showed itself unfair, for the very sight of the eager wall- 
flowers ganged in dozens about their distressed chap- 
erones took all the starch out of their manners, and the 
hostess had to weep, and the host was heard to threaten 
flogging before a timid youth would creep from his 
roost of refuge on the stairs, and after giving some girl 
an hysterical spin, flee back to safety among his admir- 
ing friends. It was like the charge of the Light Brigade 
rehearsed by Sunday-school scholars. Is Mrs. Worthing- 
ton’s dance on that order?” 

Beverley laughed. No,” he said, Charlie has so 
much sympathy with the sex you call unfair, that he 
always provides a lot of substitutes for those whose 
courage wavers when in view of the enemy. Let me 
help you. Sweetheart,” he whispered, bending over her 
on the pretext of wrapping the feather boa about her, 
you’re radiant. I don’t know how to express my ad- 
miration, but it doesn’t make me love you any more, it 
couldn’t — but it makes me understand even better what 
an aspiring begger I am to hope to win you ! But I 


PRETTY PEGGY O 205 

won^t give up ! I^ll never give up, so long as I have a 
breath left to beg with/^ 

Forewarned forearmed ! said Peggy, smiling up 
into his earnest face. She had grown so accustomed to 
his tempestuous wooing, that it seemed only natural, yet 
she started and blushed as she caught the look of sup- 
pressed amusement with which Felix was regarding her. 

IPs windy to-night, Peggy, he said with elaborate 
carelessness, do you hear it around the house ? 

There isn’t much wind,” said John innocently, 
whereupon Felix appeared amused, and John, in his 
heart, called him a grinning monkey, but being a one- 
idea man, and restive of any topic not connected with 
Peggy, soon forgot him, and turned his attention to 
getting the two elder ladies into the car. 

To help Peggy was a privilege, and he lingered over 
it, but felt aggrieved when Felix refused his suggestion 
to ride in front, and he saw him disappear inside and 
take the empty seat by Peggy, with a disgust too deep 
for words. 

But the opportunity for this doubly chaperoned tete k 
tete should not continue one second longer than neces- 
sary, so John seized the wheel and made his exit from 
the Beverley grounds in a manner apt to try the nerves 
of those unaccustomed to adventure. 

Mrs. Beverley had never before trusted her life to an 
automobile, though she would have Mrs. McLane be- 
lieve it her daily habit to charge forth upon what she 
firmly believed to be a tour marked by destruction, and 
followed by death. So she repressed the shrieks of ter- 
ror which almost choked her, and by lifting her feet 
from the fioor, and holding her breath as long as pos- 
sible, contrived to comfort herself with the idea that by 
these means she would escape in the catastrophe which 
seemed about to overwhelm the rest of the party. 

Fortunately for Mrs. Beverley’s nerves, the distance 
was not great, a,nd John’s manner of driving not cal- 


2o6 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


culated to make it seem greater, but she was pale and 
speechless when they drew up in the covered entrance, 
and it took some time for her to regain her usual spirit 
of scornful disapproval of everything denied herself by 
the poverty which she felt would be at once relieved if 
Providence would for a moment refrain from looking 
after all sorts of common and uninteresting people, and 
turn its attention to the rewarding of Virtue, beginning 
with her estimable self, as the most noteworthy member 
of that unappreciated class. 

The old house which had for so long stood silent and 
forlorn had taken on a new lease of life, and shone with 
light and warmth and gaiety. The long picture gallery, 
disused for half a century, had been turned into the 
ball-room, and made gay with palms and flowering 
shrubs, while a band played behind its screen of green- 
ery. 

Peggy felt her spirits rise with the flrst sound of 
music, and she gave a little skip as she crossed the hall 
on John^s arm. Mrs. Worthin^on was still at her post 
in the drawing-room, but most of the guests had arrived, 
and she had gone back to her seat by the Are. 

In spite of her exquisite gown of painted chiffon, 
Susan Worthington looked old and ill. There were dia- 
monds in her beautifully arranged hair, and diamonds 
as well as pearls around her hollow neck, but she coughed 
incessantly, as she tried to talk with some of the 
least amenable of her guests. 

She had thrown a large cape of broadtail, lined with 
ermine, around her shoulders, and was huddled in her 
chair by the Are, but rose as her guests entered, and wel- 
comed them cordially. 

I know you^re just dying to dance,^’ she said, as she 
held Peggy^s hand in hers for a moment. Land ! But 
iPs fine to be young and beautiful ! I never was very 
pretty, no matter what Charlie says, but how I could 
dance ! And her laugh trailed off into a cough that 
racked her frame. 


207 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

^^Here, John, take Miss Beverley over to the ball- 
room. IPs selfish to keep her in here with the back- 
shelf set, but if you get tired. Miss Beverley, or are will- 
ing to sacrifice your love of dancing for a few minutes, 
come back and talk with me, will you ? Pve got a favor 
to ask,^^ and she nodded dismissal as she turned back to 
the others. 

^^Will you sit here, or go into the ball-room she 
asked, I donT want to keep you here, but Pm obliged 
to live in the lap of the fire, myself, for Pve caught a 
horrid cold, and Charlie has a duck fit every time I 
cough, but don’t let me keep you. Mrs. Draper is good 
enough to stay with me,” and she shivered as she sank 
back into the low seat by the fender. 

Come, Madre, let’s go trip the light fantastic toe,” 
said Felix, whose young blood was fired by the music of 
a waltz. Mrs. Beverley won’t you come with us ? ” 
Allow me,” said Dr. Martineau coming forward and 
offering his arm, with an air as old-fashioned as his 
evening clothes. And almost before she knew it, Mrs. 
Beverley was walking off with the man who, of. all men, 
she most detested, and was ready to shriek with rage 
because she felt gauche and ill at ease, and was far from 
certain that she did not look and act so. 

In spite of the paucity of material, Mrs. Worthing- 
ton’s ball was a success. The floors were like glass, the 
music fine, and the dancers for the most part, young and 
happy; so there was little opportunity for criticism, and 
none for disparagement. 

As Peggy entered the ball-room she saw Amy floating 
past with Mr. Worthington, and in a second more, she 
and Beverley had joined the waltzing crowd. 

Come Mudderkins,” cried Felix, I invite you to 
the mazy ! What do we care who says what ! ” And be- 
fore she could remonstrate he had slipped his arm 
around her waist, and swung her into the vortex of dan- 
cers. 


2o8 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


Good Lord ! exclaimed Mrs. Beverley piously, 
will you just look at Mrs. McLane ! At her age, and 
with a grown son, why I think it^s indelicate, don^t you ? 
I don^t see how she can make such a spectacle of her- 
self. She^s as old as I am, or older ! And Mrs. Bev- 
erley fairly trembled with the strength of her righteous 
indignation. 

Why, whaPs the matter ? Why shouldn't she 
dance ? asked the doctor, who knew he was countrified, 
and gloried in it. think it^s a mighty pretty sight 
to see the boy dancing with his own mother. In what 
way do you find it indelicate, madam ? And Dr. Mar- 
tineau paused for her reply as one whose thirst for 
knowledge is not easily assuaged. 

Oh, I don^t know,” she answered, confused by being 
brought from innuendo to fact. But she^s so old ! I 
only felt surprised as her conduct is generally most ex- 
emplary,” and Mrs. Beverley bridled and pursed her 
mouth in a way which caused the good doctor to look 
back with regret to the days of the Inquisition. 

Oh, mamma, isn’t it lovely ? ” cried Amy, pirouet- 
ting up to her mother, and for once welcomed by her as 
serving to break the thread of conversation. 

Do you remember how we used to laugh at this 
place being called Paradise? Well, I ask its forgive- 
ness. The name fits like a glove.” 

Mr. Worthington held out his hand to Mrs. Beverley, 
and wondered, as he looked at her, if Amy would ever 
be so unhappy as to resemble her mother. 

^^What do you think of my gown, mamma?” asked 
Amy, who was looking her very best, and quite conscious 
of the fact. Don’t you wonder where I got it? And 
aren’t you surprised that I’ve got it at all ? ” And Amy 
drew up her svelte young figure to show off the spangled 
dress she admired so much. As her mother did not an- 
swer, or take any notice of the question, beyond giving a 
cold disapproving look at the gown, she went on, well. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


209 


I dare say you^re bursting with curiosity, and you^re so 
provoking that I\e a great mind to let you burst — ^but 
there — I mustnT forget you^re my mother, my physi- 
cian, and my host. I must save you from the dreadful 
fate of flying into flinders, and conflde that iPs a pres- 
ent from Peggy ! And Amy struck an attitude indic- 
ative of admiration for the gown, and despair at the 
stolidity of her hearers. 

I should think, Amy, that you had too much pride 
to take Tom, Dick and Harry into your confldence, and 
give them to understand that you are the recipient of 
your step-sister^s charity And Mrs. Beverley reared 
her crest and snuffed the battle from afar. But Amy 
was not in gladiatorial mood, nor did she laugh herself 
out of a situation in which her mother’s ungoverned 
temper had placed her. Instead, she laid her hand on 
Mr. Worthington’s arm, and, ignoring her mother and 
the irate doctor, said quietly, would it give you too 
much trouble to show me that fern we were speaking of 
after dinner? I’m not very learned, but I have quite a 
little collection of ferns — ^mostly native — and I don’t 
think I ever saw the one you describe.” And she led 
him toward the conservatory, leaving her mother keen 
for gore, but entirely out of material for obtaining it. 

Mrs. van Kamp, gorgeous in lavender satin with 
orchid accompaniments, watched Peggy as she danced, 
and thought of the long dead daughter whose love had 
been the one soft spot in a life hardened by disappoint- 
ment. 

As her memory went back to the face and figure she 
had gloried in, she saw always a more insistent like- 
ness to Peggy Beverley, and she determined to try the 
girl, and if possible bring her under the influence of her 
own strong personality, and mould her, as her own 
daughter had been moulded, on the lines of her choice. 

Once decided, the lady struck as was her custom, 
when the iron was hot. Seeing Peggy resting for a mo- 


210 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

ment after a dance, she walked up and tapped her on 
the arm with her great feather fan. Come across into 
some quiet room, and talk to me, my dear,^^ she said, in 
tones that seemed to brook no refusal, I dare say Mr. 
What’s-hismame will excuse you,^^ holding up her gold 
lorgnette and looking into the face of the young man 
who was Peggy^s partner at the moment. Come on — 
don^t loiter ! 

Naturally courteous, Peggy would probably have gone, 
although Mrs. van Kamp and her ways were especially 
odious to her, but with a quick instinct to champion the 
be-stamped on, and without stopping to think of the 
effect of her words, she answered I beg you will ex- 
cuse me for the moment, I am engaged for this dance. 
But 1^11 join you as soon as Pm at liberty, and Mrs. 
van Kamp — will you allow me to introduce my friend, 
Mr. Strainer And before the virago, who had 
boasted that all girls were as wax in her hands, could 
interfere, Peggy had danced off with the objectionable 
Mr. WhaPs-his-name, and left Mrs. van Kamp with out- 
stretched hand, grasping at space. 

You did it that time ! said her partner, drawing 
a long breath, and watching the runways for fear of 
being overtaken. Fve heard a lot of that old woman, 
and she^s a holy terror. She^ll eat you alive when she 
catches you. I wouldn’t keep that date with her, if I 
were you. I know Mr. What’s-his-name would take to 
his winged heels, if she so much as shook her finger at 
him.” 

Praidy-cat, fraidy-cat,” sang Peggy, who in her 
babyhood, had made mudpies with the youth in ques- 
tion, and had refused to undertake a more effective 
style of housekeeping with him every six months since 
they had arrived — almost simultaneously — at the dig- 
nity of fifteen years. 

don’t care, fraidy-cat, or bravery-dog. Pm not 
going to have my personality decorating the landscape 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


2II 


from Dan even unto Beersheba! I donT know who 
Dan was, nor where Beersheba is to be found, though 
is sounds as if it might have been some sort of picnic 
place belonging to Solomon, but Pm not going to be 
taunted out of a whole skin to make a Roman holiday, 
just because a carrot-topped Tartaress of my acquaint- 
ance gets herself into a snarl with a ten-toed jungle 
cat” 

Gracious Adam,” cried Peggy, you must indeed 
be wrought up. \^y I never heard such a barbarous 
mixture. If I didnT know better I’d think you never 
spent a day in school. Never mind, po’ little boy, Peg- 
gy’ll take care of de booful baby chile. Peggy’ll shoo 
dat bad ole ’omans ’way from Adam ! ” 

Confound you. Peg, if you don’t look out, I’ll marry 
you yet, just to get even with you.” 

They’re going into supper,” said Beverley, coming 
up at that moment and claiming Peggy. But as soon 
as Adam had left in search of Miss Draper, whose claim 
upon him was being earnestly voiced by the young 
lady herself, John asked gravely, ^^what was that fel- 
low talking to you about, Peggy? Didn’t I hear him 
say something about marrying you ? ” 

I dare say,” replied Peggy, he generally is. He’s 
a person who clings to an idea when he gets one, and 
never has but one at a time. But he’s a nice boy, and 
I was teasing him. Mrs. van Kamp jumped on him 
and called him Mr. What’s-his-name, and he was fright- 
ened to death.” 

J ohn smiled the grudging smile of a man determined 
upon a grievance. 

I don’t like that man talking about marrying my 
wife,” he admitted. Don’t let him do it again. Please 
Peggy.” 

Hoity-toity,” cried Peggy, but somebody’s giving 
himself airs of possession ! Don’t do it again. Please 
John,” she mimiced. Then changing suddenly she 


212 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


said, if yon don’t raven among those patSs and things, 
and bring me something to eat, I won’t be responsible 
for my behavior nnder scolding. Yes, thanks,” with a 
brilliant smile for the man who was passing her laden 
with the result of a successful forage, and John, re- 
turning a moment later with a waiter carr3dng a cold 
bottle and all the paraphernalia for enjoying it, found 
them picnicing in gay intimacy, and though he joined 
them, and by the reckless use of the corralled waiter 
provided royally for their needs, he was not a joyous ad- 
dition to the meal, being, in fact, so firmly in the 
clutches of the green-eyed monster, that he gave no foot- 
hold to happiness, and hugged his misery to his breast 
like a long-lost friend. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


213 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

Dr. Martineau piloted Mrs. Beverley to a seat, and 
returned at the double for his sister, providently find- 
ing her before she realized his desertion. Seating her 
beside the other, he plunged into the vortex, and by 
dint of strong armed interference, reappeared with his 
two plates moderately well filled, and two glasses with 
no room for more. 

Having presented these and thinking himself at 
liberty to satisfy the pangs of a hunger dating from 
his early dinner, for Miss Martineau had argued that, 
as refreshments would doubtless be a feature of the en- 
tertainment, there was no need of gorging oneself with 
tea at seven o^clock. The doctor had been called to see 
a patient whose habitation was so unhandily placed 
that the strong gray horse counted twenty miles extra 
on his afternoon route, and the good doctor fairly ached 
with emptiness before the welcome sight of the dining 
room at Paradise gave him promise of satisfaction. 

Armed with plate, knife and fork, and with a napkin 
stuck endways in the bulge of his vest. Dr. Martineau 
eyed the possibilities through such vistas as he could 
obtain between the struggling guests and prepared to 
plunge in where his specially approved dishes seemed 
most numerous. 

He was on the edge of the vortex, and with one elbow 
in the ribs of a spectacled youth, and one foot firmly 
planted on the patent leather torment of a fellow for- 
ager, was about to hurl himself upon the food, when he 
felt a staccato jerk of the coat tails, and turned to see 
his sistePs long drab face uplifted to his, as she leaned 
forward for another jerk. 


214 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


^^Get us some of that aspic, wonT you, William 
she screamed, the noise of feasting making an ordinary 
tone unnoticed, and as he laid his implements in a safe 
and secret place, and prepared to scavenge yet again in 
the interest of gallantry, Mrs. Beverley^s eyes, which 
had taken stock of her neighbors plates, were caught 
by some marrow pates, which she at once ordered her 
cavalier to duplicate. 

In sprang the doctor, husky and willing, but of mar- 
row pates there were none in sight, so he wriggled out 
with the bare plates, and reported for orders. 

I declare, you have no initiative, William. Why 
donT you find the kitchen, and get some from the 
cook ? Do hurry — some people are through already, and 
you^re so slow, we\e hardly begun. Here, William? 
William! before you do that, get us some of those little 
foie gras sandwiches, wonT you? we can be nibbling on 
them, while you look for the pates. 

So in went the gallant doctor, and when he reached 
the surface, there was a small plateful of sandwiches 
in his grasp. These he presented, and snatching up the 
plates on which not even crumbs remained, he wan- 
dered out to find someone in authority, through whose 
influence he might become possessed of the marrow 
pates of which he began to feel that he had had a sur- 
feit, although to his knowledge, he had never laid eyes 
on one in his life. 

Goaded by the thought of his empty plate, and the 
reminder of his equally empty stomach, he finally ad- 
dressed himself to a detached looking individual, led 
by the fact of his having small but eminently correct 
side whiskers, to suppose him the butler. 

Jubilant by having guessed right the very first time, 
the doctor elbowed his way back to his charges, who 
received him and his offering of two pates each with a 
perfunctory, thank you,” their minds being absent at 
the time, seeking what they might devour among the 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


215 

debris of the dishes they could occasionally glimpse 
through the thinning crowd around them. 

As the patient doctor stooped to grope beneath his 
sister’s chair for the plate he had left in that chaste se- 
clusion, Mrs. Beverley leaned over and said, Pm really 
very sorry to trouble you, but will you kindly get me 
a glass of water?” The doctor dropped his plate back 
in its place and departed, but though he found wine in 
abundance, and Apolinaris in occasional half bottles, 
water seemed the one thing lacking. 

Dr. Martineau raised his hand to aid mental proc- 
esses by a defiant rumpling of his thick gray hair, but 
remembering himself in time, he stuffed his hands in 
his pockets lest they should betray him, an^d pursued the 
errant water with dogged persistence. Having inter- 
viewed half a dozen waiters who promised aid when at 
leisure, he suddenly stumbled across Mr. Worthington 
who was having a quiet lunch behind a screen reserved 
for the empty bottles, soiled dishes, and general scrap- 
piness. 

^^Darn Devil,” cried the wearied doctor, who, faint 
but pursuing, still stalked the water. ^^Darn Devil, 
but I’m thankful to "see you. Will you kindly tell me 
where I can get a glass of water for Mrs. Beverley? 
I’ve hunted half an hour, I think, but while I could 
drown her in anything else, I can’t find a drop of the 
thing she wants. I’ll be hanged,” confessed the doctor 
genially, ^^but I believe women can think of more 
things for a fellow to do than the law allows. And as 
for getting any help or sympathy from ’em, why you 
don’t stand the chance of a stump-tailed bull in fly 
time.” And the doctor mopped his brow, though it was 
winter time, and cold for the season. 

Mr. Worthington, who liked Dr. Martineau in a 
tolerant sort of way, finding that he was still supper- 
less, called a waiter, and while he provided for his 
wants, sent the old man back to Mrs. Beverley with the 


2I6 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


water, who thanked him indifferently, took a sip of it, 
and set it down on a carving table behind her. 

While the doctor regarded this performance with 
speechless indignation, Miss Martineau said fretfully, 

I declare William, you were so long getting the water, 
that half the people have gone back to the ball-room, 
and we havenH had a mouthful of anything sweet. If 
youM just get us a little something first, we would be 
out of your path entirely. But when you stop to talk, 
and drink, and eat your own supper, (though goodness 
knows how you’ll digest it at this hour) why of course 
we will be the last ones in the dining room, and I so 
dislike to be considered greedy. Look William — ^bring 
us some of those bon bons, the marron glacees for choice, 
and I think I’ll try some orange souffle. What will you 
have, Mrs. Beverley? Yes? I’ll take a taste of the 
frozen pineapple, or whatever it is too, and William?” 
as the bewildered doctor was moving off to search the 
relics of the brave dishes so firmly frozen an hour back, 
and now reduced to sweetened slush, William, just 
cast your eye about, and see if you can find any of those 
little cocoanut wafers, the sort with a spreading of 
chopped cherries and almonds on top. I don’t know 
that they have any, but Mrs. Worthington always serves 
them at tea, and very likely they have them now. Some 
of the servants might find them for you — and please 
don’t linger William — I’m really becoming chilled sit- 
ting here waiting for you to dawdle about.” And Miss 
Martineau settled her shoulder blades more determi- 
nately in the hollows of the chair back, and called Mrs. 
Beverley’s attentions to the selfishness of mankind in 
his dealings with women. 

^^It’s no use,” said the doctor appearing suddenly 
around the screen, and rumpling his hair with ener- 
getic fingers, I’ve got to go and get them dessert. I’m 
much obliged Worthington, and I’m hungry as a bear, 
but I’ve got to get these women filled up, and by that 


PRETTY PEGGY O 217 

time iPll be morning. So long — have you any idea of 
the geographical position of the orange soufH^ ? 

Mr. Worthington produced a waiter, and Dr. Mar- 
tineau dug from his memory the menu he had been sent 
to fill. And when he knew his charges helped to every- 
thing desired from consomme to coffee, he sighed like a 
relieved furnace, and with energetic enthusiasm, pro- 
ceeded to take care of himself. 

The old year had been sung out, and the new year 
danced in according to irrefragable custom, and the 
cotillion was in full swing when Peggy, with a whis- 
pered word to Beverley, slipped from her place, and 
joined Mrs. Worthington by the drawing-room fire. 

I couldn’t very well come before,” she exclaimed, 
for I had my dances engaged, but I can miss a few 
figures of the cotillion with both ease and pleasure.” 

Peggy seated herself on a stool by Mrs. Worthington’s 
couch. Looking up at her burning cheeks, bright, glassy 
eyes, and hollow temples, the girl’s heart ached with the 
sympathy she dared not express, and she wondered how 
it would seem to be rich in the goods of this world ; rich 
in the love of a dearly loved husband; with youth and 
happiness on her side, and before her? Death. 

Peggy was so lost in thought that she did not notice 
her companion’s silence, and started perceptibly when 
Mrs. Worthington spoke. “ Miss Beverley,” she began, 

I want you to promise you’ll come up and sing to me 
every now and then. Yours is the only voice I care 
to hear, nowadays. Amy sings beautifully. I can’t 
tell you how fond we all are of your sister — she’s the 
very essence of gaiety, and yet she’s never boisterous. 
You ought to hear her and Charlie go on ! It’s as good 
as a play! And I love to watch her eyes dance and 
twinkle when she laughs. And she’s a bird for singing ! 
but I like to hear you best. Will you come up once in a 
while and sing just for me ? ” 

I’ll come with the greatest of pleasure,” replied 


2i8 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Peggy earnestly. IPs a great compliment to be asked 
to sing as yonVe asked me. You^ll have to stop me 
when yon^re tired though, for I forget myself, and would 
keep on forever, like the brook.’^ 

Don’t you think it’s odd to meet somebody you 
never heard of, and who is no relation, yet has the same 
name?” asked Mrs. Worthington a little stiffly, and 
Peggy guessed at once that she had been called iji that 
she might be sounded about John. 

But she shan’t get any satisfaction from Margaret 
Maturin, thought Peggy, as she answered with such 
innocent eyes that Mrs. Worthington rejoiced in her 
foxy manner of approaching the question, and thought 
herself a brilliant strategist, and a Sherlock Holmes in 
petticoats. 

I wonder if you and John aren’t relations,” she 
continued, transparent as glass, but in her own opinion 
deep and dark, and with a mind full of sinuous wind- 
ings. 

I don’t know, I believe there used to be a branch 
of the family up north,” replied Peggy, I think I’ve 
heard Daddy speak of them, but all such ties were cut 
when the war came, so I really know nothing about it.” 

^^I’d claim him, anyhow, if I were you girls,” said 
Mrs. Worthington, warming to her theme. He’s just 
everything that’s desirable, and I sometimes think he 
has fallen in love with one of you, he is so different from 
his usual self, and he seems to haunt the road to your 
house. Which is he sweet on, I wonder ? ” 

^^Me,” replied Peggy unexpectedly, ^^but he’ll get 
over it with equal rapidity. We’re both really very 
fond of him,” she continued, in a pale cousinly way, 
that is, and we’re quite willing to claim some sort of 
kinship.” 

^^Well, I’d like the fellow to be happy,” said Mrs. 
Worthington wistfully, ^^you know he never paid any 
girl real attention before, so far as Charlie knows, and 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


219 


theyVe been twin friends all their lives. Their mothers 
were far away cousins, and both died when the boys were 
very young ; they went to the same boarding-school, and 
afterwards to college together. After that they were 
separated for years, for Charlie had to work his poor 
brain sick until he met me — I^m his mascot, he says — 
and John did a lot of splendid engineering in South 
Africa and China. He^s really famous in his profession, 

you know. He has never 

At last ! cried Mrs. van Kamp, coming to a full 
stop by the side of Mrs. Worthington^s couch. 
thought you were too much engaged with that callow 
youth who is driving John Beverley to homicidal jeal- 
ousy, to pay any attention to us who are shelved and 
reported for decent burial. You needn’t take the 
trouble to explain; it isn’t necessary.” 

Thanks, I hadn’t thought of doing so,” replied 
Peggy sweetly, her whole nature rubbed the wrong way 
by the disagreeable personality of the elder woman. 

Emily van Kamp laughed. She liked Peggy, and 
the thought of her resemblance to the daughter she had 
mourned in her heart for so many cheerless years, made 
her wish to be liked in return, but true to her habit, she 
bullied the girl, watching with practised eyes the effect 
of the treatment. 

If you had known that I was about to propose 
something pleasant, maybe you wouldn’t have been so 
foolish,” she said. I want you to join me in a little 
trip down to Palm Beach. Oh, I foot all the bills — 
as Peggy was about to speak — and provide the ward- 
robe, I always do that, for I like to be certain that the 
girls I take around with me, and vouch for, are dressed 
according to my ideas. Can you be ready by Sunday ? ” 
You’re very kind, Mrs. van Kamp,” replied Peggy, 
you’re awfully kind, but it’s quite impossible to accept 
your invitation.” She spoke quietly, and showed no 
sign of the storm of rage with which the older woman’s 
maimer, more than her words, filled her. 


220 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


YouM better reconsider ” said Mrs. van Kamp, un- 
pleasant but insistent. It will be a chance for you 
which you will never be able to afford for yourself, and 
you^re handsome enough to step out at once into the 
lime light of professional beautydom, and thaPll be an 
advertisement for me,^^ she admitted. ^^You see I^m 
quite frank, and allow that the obligation isn^t all on 
your side.” 

You^re very good,” said Peggy, briefly. 

You’ll come then ? All right, be ready by Sunday. 
Look here, where did you get those pearls ? They’re the 
best imitation I ever saw. I didn’t think the pearl was 
made that could fool me. Let me look at them, will 
you ? ” 

Peggy loosed the little diamond-studded clasp, and 
laid the necklace in Mrs. van Kamp’s hand. Let me 
answer your questions in order,” she said, her face so 
pale and her manner so quiet that Mrs. Worthington — 
intently watching — ^had a faint suspicion of the girl’s 
suppressed feeling, but Mrs. van Kamp paid no at- 
tention to such unnecessary things as the opinions of 
other people, and looked up in surprise as Peggy went 
on, I fear you misunderstood me. I can’t go with you 
under any circumstances, thank you, so there is no 
question of dress or traveling expenses. As for my 
pearls, they came to me through my mother’s people, and 
I am the fifth Margaret to wear them. I have never 
seen imitation stones, except in department stores, or 
hat pins. I certainly do not own any, except in such 
setting.” And Peggy was relieved to feel that she was 
getting herself in hand, and that she no longer wished 
to yell her opinion of Mrs. van Kamp into that 
lady’s ears, and perhaps — ^the thought made her lips 
twist whimsically — by accidental awkwardness, find out 
whether the carefully marcelled hair, was her own by 
growth or by purchase. 

Humph! They’re very handsome,” said Mrs. van 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


221 


Kamp slowly, as she returned the pearls. ^^The/re so 
huge I thought of course youM got them at the ten cent 
store on bargain day. The/re entirely unsuitable for 
a girl of your apparent age, anyway, and you ought to 
let your mother wear her own things, Margaret the fifth, 
who masquerades under the simple name of Peggy. 
Girls nowadays dress like cockatoos, and will let their 
parents go in rags, provided there isnT enough for both.^^ 

Peggy^s cheeks were scarlet, and her eyes blazing, 
but only an added slowness to her always slow speech 
showed the anger which the elder woman^s insolence had 
again fanned to white heat. 

I^m sorry that I seem to be always correcting you,” 
she said, but I had the misfortune to lose my mother 
when I was born. The present Mrs. Beverley has no 
right to my jewels, and my income is my own, to do 
with as I please. I do not have to go to her for my 
dress, or anything else.” And Peggy thanked Heaven 
dumbly but fervently, that she spoke the truth. 

Except for the roof which covers your — er — ^bril- 
liant head, and the food that you put in your scornful 
mouth, and the niggers that seem thick as thieves, and 
probably are thieves, which I saw in such numbers the 
day I called, and which are useful, I suppose, as attri- 
butes to the sloth and pride which Pve always under- 
stood were the besetting sins of these out-at-elbows 
rebels.” And Mrs. van Kamp smiled pleasantly, for she 
was enjoying herself, and Peggy had opposed her, so it 
was well that she should be taught her place. She would 
be brought to heel presently, and the owner of the heel 
thought with approval of the manner in which others, 
equally stiff-necked, had been made to dance to her 
piping. 

Peggy rose quietly as she answered, Let me set you 
right once again, please Mrs. van Kamp. The house you 
called at on Christmas day belongs to me, and Mrs. 
Beverley and her daughter are my guests, I am the 


222 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


owner and housekeeper. Mrs. Beverley’s expenses are 
her own; they have nothing to do with me, or anything 
that is mine. My servants’ positions are hereditary. 
My home is theirs. For generations their ancestors be- 
longed to mine, and I have no truer friends on earth 
than my old nurse and her three children, and in spite 
of their black skins, there are few people I love so dearly. 
You are quite right when you say they add to my pride, 
for when I think of the years which have passed in en- 
tire harmony between us, I confess I am proud; for no 
one can win love, and hold it, without being in some way 
worthy, and I think the situation calls for pride on both 
sides. But you have made one mistake ; a mistake made 
constantly by northerners, who seem unwilling to admit 
an historical truth. You call us rebels, without stop- 
ping to think that it was the South which fought for 
the Constitution — ^the North broke it — and she con- 
tinued a^s if in answer to the look of indignant protest 
from Mrs. van Kamp, you know the Constitution said 
that any state not wishing to remain in the Union might 
seceed, and when we stood upon our rights, and said we 
would make our own laws, the North held us by strength. 
Theirs might have been good statesmanship, but all the 
same they rebelled against the United States, and were 
traitors to the Constitution they pretended to uphold.” 
Then, before Mrs. van Kamp had time to speak, Peg^ 
turned toward Mrs. Worthington, and said, Pm afraid 
I’ve got to go back, will you excuse me ? ” And with 
a slight grave nod in Mrs. van Kamp’s direction, she 
walked slowly from the room. 


^23 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER XIX. 

^^Whoa!^^ cried Dr. Martineau reining in the gray 
horse with the air of a man determined upon conquest. 

Whoa, you brute beast ! in answer to a placid wave 
of the gray tail, and having successfully anchored the 
buggy at the side of the road, he waited for Peggy to 
join him. 

Can you go for a drive with an old lover ? he 
called out cheerfully, adding in a lower voice, ^^or is 
your time entirely pledged to a new one ? Maybe you^l 
be afraid of this pranciferous steed, however, after your 
late experiences with that docile, red motor-car that 
slides across the landscape like some devil-built monster 
hell-bent for mischief And the old doctor climbed 
down to help Peggy to the seat beside him. 

Go with you? You couldn^t escape me ! she said, 
as she took her seat. The moment I saw this equipage, 
which for style, is ahead of anything else on wheels, I 
said to myself, Margaret Maturin, you^re in luck, and 
pretty soon you^ll be in that chariot. Here, tuck me in 
tightly, TJnc^ Billy boy, for with the possible exception 
of my gray velvet, Pve got on my best bib and tucker.^^ 

What, this ? asked Dr. Martineau scornfully, pull- 
ing out the half tucked in corner to peer at the cherished 
frock, ^^why this is the sort of stuff that I have my 
hunting clothes made of, corduroy, eh? WTiat do you 
take me for, eh ? 

^^Pd take you for better or for worse, if youM ask 
me, but you^re a hard-hearted flirt, and Pm smiling 
above a broken heart, said Peggy. Yes, I know this 
is corduroy, but iPs quite correct for a walking gown, 


224 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


though I don’t suppose it will feel hurt if I drive in 
it, eh? Anyhow, tuck me in, and then take possession 
of this three quarters of a buggy seat that I’m holding 
my breath to keep for you. There — you hopped in like 
a fairy. Which way are we going?” 

Up and down and all around ! ” replied the doctor, 
it doesn’t make so much differ where you go, as who 
you go with, and I want to talk to a young lady of my 
acquaintance, who for the last few months has been 
so surrounded by another fellow, that I can’t get in a 
word edgeways, and now that I haven’t the excuse of 
going to see McLane, Mrs. Beverley is so pervasive, 
that I’d as soon tell secrets to a sewing circle as talk 
business before that woman.” And to the gray horse’s 
astonishment. Dr. Martineau flicked the air so vic- 
iously with his whip that he unintentionally landed a 
touch upon the back so seldom desecrated in that 
manner. 

^^Is it business, Dockelly?” asked Peggy, I thought 
now that the crop was sold, I could relapse into a lady 
of leisure. It isn’t bad business, is it? Frightening, I 
mean. I get so deadly scared when I have to talk busi- 
ness. I feel like a poor little bunny-rabbit in a trap, 
with a fox tip — tip — tipping on my track. So out with 
it, I want to get it over.” And Peggy gave an exagger- 
ated shudder of distaste, hoping to convince Dr. Mar- 
tineau that she spoke in play, while in her heart, she 
knew she was in pitiful earnest. 

Poor little cotton-tail,” said her old friend, re- 
placing the whip and transferring the reins that he 
might pat her hand, ^^well, it’s no troublesome trap 
business this time, daughterkin, it’s only a little invest- 
ment, and I want you to trust your father’s friend and 
yours. Just answer one or two questions. You came 
out ahead on the crop, I know, but would you mind 
telling me how much ? ” 

No, of course not, and I know too, down to a penny, 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


^25 


for I made up my valedictory account last night. After 
paying back every cent, and the rent money to ^Te 
Lulu, minus the seventy dollars she appropriated from 
Dr. McLane, I have in bank exactly three thousand 
four hundred and fifty-one dollars and seventy-six cents. 
I think that^s a mighty good showing, considering the 
storm and everything. Pve been patting myself on the 
back ever since I verified the arithmetic by going over 
it until the room swam with figures. DonT you think 
that Pm a candidate for congratulation?^^ 

Indeed I do,^^ answered the doctor heartily. 

You^re a brick, Peggy. A staunch, level-headed little 
brick, and I^m proud that, as your godfather, I may 
claim that iPs entirely my doing,^^ And he threw a 
chest, and stuck out his chin in a manner he considered 
indicative of excess of virtue. 

Peggy laughed merrily whereupon, having achieved 
his object. Dr. Martineau proceeded, ^^now, Peggy 
child. Pm going to ask you for blind faith in your old 
uncle. Yes, I know youVe got it, otherwise I shouldnT 
have asked, but I want you to buy Mrs. Beverley^s half 
of Kingsgift. DonT ask me for my reasons, chick- 
abiddy. You’ll know them sometimes, but for the pres- 
ent, trust me and do as I say.” 

"^Of course Pll do both,” replied Peggy earnestly, 
^^but may I just ask one question? I want to know 
whether it means I will have to plant another crop this 
year — does it ? ” 

You can bet your happy life it doesn’t. Pd see them 
into the middle of next week before I’d let you go 
through another hot summer on the rice fields. No, 
my child, but I want this. I’m going to put it in 
Ferris’ hands, and tell him to buy the upper half of 
Kingsgift plantation, hers is the upper half, isn’t it? 
Pll tell him to give what he must for it, but I won’t let 
on you’re the purchaser, and don’t you say a word. If 
she thinks you want it, she won’t sell, just for spite. 


226 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

The upper half isnT nearly so valuable as your side, 
not nearly, and you ought to get it for fifteen hundred 
dollars. I hope you will. Well, hold your tongue, for 
she will crow like a cock on a summer morning, and 
when you\e got possession, Pll give you some more 
financial advice. 

^^Just think, said Peggy, after a long silence, for 
her, ^^how expensive these plantations were long ago! 
Why Daddy told me his father was offered eighty thou- 
sand dollars for just that high land where the old house 
stood. IPs only two or three hundred acres. Dear me, 
I wish somebody would be taken with that variety of 
madness now 1 And Peggy sighed as she thought of 
the many enjoyable ways she could spend money. 

I^ow remember, donT give the snap away, or she 
wonT sell,^^ counseled the doctor. Think you can 
hold that little tongue of yours when she begins to 
gloat 

Um, um, I know I can,^^ replied Peggy, but she’ll 
have to know it eventually, won’t she ? ” 

No, it won’t be necessary; just do as I tell you, and 
leave the rest to me,” and the doctor nearly burst with 
the desire to confide the secret which delighted him. 

Now, young woman, let me ask you what you mean 
by your merciless conduct in the matter of this youth 
who dogs you like your very much enlarged shadow. 
Is he gaining, or are you true to poor Telfair, who is 
overworking the United States Mail in his endeavors 
to keep his memory green in a certain hard, little heart 
I’m acquainted with, eh ? ” 

If I knew I’d tell you — ^true for true — Dockelly, but 
you know, I never could marry Telfair. He’s just the 
dearest fellow, but I simply couldn’t sit opposite that 
Adam’s apple every day of my life. I’d scream. It’s all 
very well to say don’t look at it, but I can’t look at 
anything else when he’s anywhere in sight. He may be 
in most earnest and affectionate converse, but I can’t 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


227 


keep my attention fixed on anything but that plunger 
that never leaves off plunging. IPs like a walking 
beam ! Unc’ Billy> there^s no use talking, people don^t 
marry people for their good qualities, or for what 
theyVe got, (except money) they marry them for what 
they havenT got. But even if Telfair underwent a 
surgical operation, and came out with a neck like 
Apollo’s, Pd always remember what had been and keep 
watching for symptoms of a relapse.” 

^^Alas, poor Telfair!” said Dr. Martineau, with 
what was meant for a tragic groan. ^ So that’s the 
finish of him she said, and the egg-shell went to sea.’ 
Telly will never manage to swallow his bit of forbidden 
fruit, so we’ll leave him out of the matrimonial ques- 
tion. How about t’other one, eh ? ” 

And that’s another thing,” cried Peggy, hoping 
she was not blushing so deeply as she feared, Telly ! 
Who’d marry a man whose friends call him Telly?” 

Well, you wouldn’t have ’em call him Fairy, would 
you?” enquired the doctor blandly, ^^but that’s what 
I call begging the question, young lady, and I’m as 
anxious for an answer as if I were also in the proces- 
sion of hopeful ones. My question was, what about this 
jackanapes who skips in out of nowhere, saying his 
name is Beverley — ^how do we know? ^ Where’s his 
proof, eh? and making sheeps eyes at you, till you’d 
think he got them at wholesale. And I don’t like it,” 
said Dr. Martineau forcibly. ^^I don’t like two things 
— I don’t like the fact that I like him and I don’t like 
the fear that you like him too. You’re too foxy by 
half. Pretty Peg, you slip out of a question like an eel. 
Speak out like your father’s child, little girl, and tell 
me all about it.” 

Well, Dockelly,” said Peggy slowly, I don’t know 
myself and that’s the true for true truth. ISTow I’ll 
make full confession, and you’re the one and only con- 
fidant I’ll ever have. It began this way 


228 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


Stop a minute, Peggy darling,^^ interrupted the old 
man, gently, I donT want you to give the fellow away, 
or to tell your love story. ThaPs sacred. All that has 
passed between you two is your own possession. What 
I want to know is, do you love him, child ? 

Peggy threw her arms around his neck, to the great 
detriment of his hat and spectacles, and buried her face 
in the fur collar of his driving coat. Oh, Unc^ Billy 
boy,^^ she cried, there is nobody at all like you. You^re 
the very whitest soul of honor on earth. And true for 
true Vd tell you if I knew — but I donT. I^m in twenty- 
four frames of mind a day — one for every hour, and the 
hours when I^m asleep just double up on the waking 
ones, so iPs all the same. I do like him, Dockelly, but 
I donT know whether I like him enough to marry him. 
Marriage is an awfully solemn thing when you’re a 
South Carolinian and can’t believe in divorce. And I 
always think what an awful thing it would be if you 
were married tight and strong to somebody you thought 
you loved, and then met another somebody who turned 
out to be the very person you’d always hoped to meet, 
and whom you’d taken the other man to be. Oh, 
Dockelly, I wish I had a mother ! ” and before she knew 
it, Peggy was sobbing as if her heart would break. 

Don’t mind me,” she gasped, when the paroxysm 
began to abate, I’m not dotty, and it’s done me good. 
I’ve been wanting to cry for a month, and didn’t know 
it. Oh, Dockelly, what must I do? I can’t take him, 
and I can’t let him go! I didn’t mean to like him at 
all — that way, I mean — ^but the excitement of having 
a brand new steady; a man so much older, and wiser, 
and more — ^more — well, he’s been everywhere, and I’m 
just a country mouse. So I let it go on. It was my 
shameful pride ! ” she cried suddenly, sitting up and 
boxing her own ears until they glowed. I was pleased 
to have the Worthingtons and all their crowd see how 
much he cared, and I behaved like an india rubber idiot, 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


229 


and this is my punishment. For Pve got used to him, 
and I can^t bear to think of his going ofiE to some of 
those crazy places he talks about, yet he^ll have to go 
soon — ^they^ll all have to go — they can’t stay after May, 
and it’s the middle of February now. Did you ever 
know such a poor little vacillating donkey as your god- 
child? But don’t scold, Dockelly. If you scold I’ll cry 
till you and I and this mouse-colored snail you fondly 
believe looks like a horse, all drown ! ” 


230 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


CHAPTER XX. 

The McLane^s had left Oglethorpe for the warmer 
climate of Florida during the first week in January, and 
Amy spent at least half her time at Paradise, so, as 
Mrs. Beverley generally kept to her room in sullen ex- 
clusiveness, Peggy was much alone — or would have been 
so, had it not been for John^s frequent visits. 

Mrs. Beverley generally appeared with the arrival of 
visitors, losing no opportunity for disparagement of 
Peggy, or for vaunting her own forgiving disposition 
as exemplified in her behavior toward her step-daugh- 
ter. 

But John^s visits, as it happened, were seldom re- 
ported to her. He generally scouted until he saw Peggy 
in her garden, or on her way to or from the kitchen, 
which was a house by itself set in the old garden where 
flowers and vegetables grew together in happy comrad- 
erie, and where fruit trees now cast their shadows on 
that which had been the bleaching ground. 

In fact, wherever Peggy went, she might feel sure of 
finding him; or rather, she might feel sure that he 
would find her; which preliminary being accomplished, 
he would accompany her to the house, or spend some 
time in the garden, without the formality of a visiting 
card, or the intervention of Treason. 

These were days of unalloyed happiness for John, and 
for Peggy, days of drifting, with closed eyes, along the 
singing river. The man^s hope tinged all the future 
with its rosy glow, but the woman dared not look. 

Adam was a stranger to Eve, when, after his long 
sleep he waked to find her mistress of the garden of 


231 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

which he had grown tired, and which, through her pres- 
ence, now shown again with promise of happiness, but 
to Eve, it was all new, and while Adam pleased her, 
and she was glad of his companionship, who knew but 
that some man, even more satisfactory, might not at 
any moment present himself — therefore, it was best to 
wait — a mistake would make her whole life a tragedy. 

And to Peggy there was always that fatal if. Man- 
like, John believed that, once his wife, he could hold 
her love against the world — ^but womanlike, Peggy hesi- 
tated. 

And the weeks slid into months, and March was call- 
ing to the spring, before Peggy^s placid dream broke 
suddenly into a wreck of misery from which glared out 
the grinning face of nightmare, and in her struggle to 
escape, she woke, and found the day had dawned, the 
heavens were clear, and that the sun, unshadowed by 
any cloud, was shining warmly on the smiling earth. 

The purchase of Paradise, and the gaiety, hitherto 
unheard of in Oglethorpe, of the round of house parties 
whose aid the Worthingtons invoked to keep away the 
giant Boredom, had changed the whole tenor of Amy’s 
life, and the girl’s character seemed to have changed 
with it. 

When at home she was restless, absent-minded, and 
unable to settle to such employment as she had always 
been obliged to take up at the turn of the season. But 
while she wished more than ever before for the dainti- 
ness of dress displayed by her new acquaintance she 
would drop the unfinished work to stare — unwinking 
— into space, or throw it down in a fury of revolt, and 
run into her chamber in a storm of tears. 

hTo sooner was she back from a visit to Paradise, than 
she began to lay plans for her return, and though, while 
there, she was seemingly content, there, was some subtile 
change in Amy, which roused the sympathy of everyone 
about her. 


232 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Mrg. Beverley seemed greatly uplifted by the fact 
that it was Amy — not Peggy — who was the desired 
guest at Paradise, and lost no opportunity of pointing 
out that education, and the savoir faire to be gained by 
mixing with the world, are recognized by such as have 
these qualities in lavish profusion, and her pride in her 
daughters position as the Worthington^s chosen friend, 
was great enough to open her hand, as well as her heart, 
so that, having sold her half of Kingsgift for three thou- 
sand dollars, she gave Amy two spring gowns and a hat, 
a performance upon which she harped with such ener^, 
that the recipient felt an unchristian desire to chd^e 
her with all three articles at once. 

Peggy went to Paradise every few days to sing to 
Mrs. Worthington for half an hour, and her heart was 
filled with a pity she dared not show at the solitude in 
which the sick woman seemed to pass her days. With a 
house full of guests — with husband — friends — and a 
library containing books for all sorts and conditions of 
tastes, Susan Worthington was as much alone as if she 
were an uninvited guest in a house otherwise filled to the 
attic with friends, and it went to Peggy^s heart to see 
the look of welcome in the glassy eyes as she came in to 
sing and talk to her. 

With the confidence of recovery which seems almost 
a sympton of the disease, Susan would plan, in her 
hoarse voice, gaieties for the summer, and describe to 
Peggy the houseboat which was being built for them, 
and in which she and Charlie were to explore all the lit- 
tle sea-beat islands along the coast, and push their way 
through swamp-stained rivers, to anchor under the pal- 
metto and laurel trees which sentineled their banks. 

And Peggy listened, and joined in the planning. 
What was the use, she thought, of telling her that the 
islands which fringed the coast were bare hummocks of 
sand and marsh grass, with bunch oyster shells to make 
walking painful, and a fierce sun to pour unmitigated 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


233 


heat upon their treeless wastes ; and that while the rivers, 
where they ran into the sea, were for the most part of 
healthful, if not beautiful surroundings — ^their stunted 
vegetation being sparse and storm-tossed — the upper 
reaches, where palmetto and laurel might be found in 
moderation, were too much the haunt of mosquitoes, 
and too inevitably the home of malaria, to be available 
for the picnic life suggested. 

Was there any reason to deprive her of such plans or 
hopes as waited on the summer for fruition? They 
would spend the summer in Oglethorpe, Susan told her, 
too charmed with the house, and grounds, and shining 
river to tear themselves away. Did she not know that 
for her there was but one more move — the time so close 
— so very close — when she, whose hands were full of 
that which could buy ease, and comfort, and the joy of 
giving, must fold them — empty— on the quiet breast 
which cared no longer that the heart within was broken. 

Mrs. van Kamp had paid two flying visits to Paradise, 
in open attempt to secure Peggy Beverley for one of her 
household. To Peggy, the invitation always seemed 
given carelessly, and on the spur of the moment, and 
she thought little about them, her mind being full of 
other things and people, and Mrs. van Kamp never, at 
any time, a pleasant subject for consideration. 

But to that lady^s friends — ^who were a most un- 
friendly set, glad beyond words to hear of any adverse 
happening to one at whose hands they had all suffered 
— each according to capacity, and to Mrs. van Kamp^s 
opportunity — this was a joke which never palled in 
repetition. While Peggy placidly thanked her for her 
kind offers, and declined them without hesitation or 
reserve, the news had reached Kew York, and in those 
circles enlivened by Mrs. van Kamp’s society, there were 
jibes of every degree of merit, but all signalizing the 
fact that she had at last met a foeman worthy of her 
steel. 


234 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


The repeated rejection of her offers irritated Mrs. 
van Kamp^s easily roused temper, and her obstinacy 
toughened with service. Had Peggy guessed that her 
likeness to the dead girl had touched the old woman’s 
heart, and that she really craved her frienship and 
society, she would have given in at the first chance, and 
have forgiven the disagreeable speeches so entirely that 
they would have been forgotten also, for Peggy was 
staunch in her few friendships, and easily won hj kind- 
ness; but the cross old woman preferred to fight for 
what she wanted, and her bitter tongue roused such re- 
sentment in the girl she wished to conciliate, that, while 
Peggy refused her advances quietly, and with the gentle 
hateur she generally reserved for those whose company 
she found undesirable, the rage with which she recog- 
nized the hard rasping voice was almost ungovernable, 
even before she understood the words accompanying 
it. 

^^It’s perfectly dreadful,” she complained to John, 
who had joined her in the garden, and was now helping 
her tie the rhyncospernam vine to a wire fence which 
stretched three quarters of the way round the pig pen, 
where a fine young sow was almost bursting with pride 
in the nine tiny images of herself which had joined her 
two days before, and which showed all the infant love- 
liness which is the birthright of very young animals. 

Peggy pushed back the pink sunbonnet which shaded 
her face, and cast a most becoming glow upon it. The 
wires were stiff, and hurt her fingers, so she left the rest 
to John, while she watched him work, and indulged in 
conversation. 

It’s perfectly dreadful how that old woman dogs me 
with her offers of charity, and won’t take no for an an- 
swer,” she grumbled. You don’t mind my saying she 
reminds me of you, do you? I wonder if all Yankees 
are like that ! ” and the shadowy dimples which played 
around her mouth, showed how near she was to laughter. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


235 


But John refused to be drawn, and pinched the wire, 
and his fingers with it, in heroic silence, so she went on 
with her theme. 

They say the constant dropping of water will wear 
away a stone. I wonder if she will eventually catch me, 
and add me to her collection of Froggy-toads ? Wouldn’t 
you come to see me if I were a Froggy-toad? We might 
be neighbors in Rew York next winter, who knows?” 

I know,” replied John promptly, we’ll be very 
near neighbors — live in the same house, in fact — ^but 
I’m not sure it will be in Rew York. I wanted to talk 
to you about this — ^here — this beastly thing’s finished — 
will you come down to the beach with me while I remove 
the grime of this unmentionable vine? I never saw 
such a corker for getting a fellow in trouble ; the hateful 
stems seem to collect the dust of ages, and if by accident 
you break one, it bleeds white gum which makes you a 
prisoner in your own skin. I dare say it has many more 
objectionable qualities, but if you’ll come with me, I’ll 
stop grumbling, and when I’m moderately ungummed 
we’ll sit on that old boat down by the cove. I’ve got 
a letter I want to read to you.” 

You’ve raised my usually luke-warm curiosity to 
boiling point,” replied Peggy. ^^I’ll not only go, but 
I’ll get there first — I dare you to catch me ! ” and Peggy 
fiew down the path, through the great hedges and down 
the moss-grown steps which led to the beach, with John 
so close behind her, that when, some six steps from the 
bottom, he jumped lightly to the ground, and whirling 
with outstretched arms, caught her in a close embrace 
before she could stop herself. 

Jumps don’t count!” cried Peggy breathlessly as 
she extricated herself, ^^I declare, if I didn’t want to 
hear your talk, I would mount my dignity and these 
old steps at the same time and leave you to contemplate 
nature by your lone lorn self. However, I forgive you. 
Don’t you think I’m a nice, Christian little girl ? ” 


236 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 

think you^re the very nicest, most Christian, and 
most charming person in the world,” replied John 
promptly, as he drew the light row-boat higher on the 
beach, and turned it over to form a seat under the shade 
of a sturdy young oak which had taken root in the bluff 
side just above the sea wall, and which grew out almost 
horizontally — the tips of its boughs not three feet above 
the water. 

Taking off his coat, he spread it for a seat, which, the 
boat being damp, Peggy graciously accepted, mindful of 
the fact that she was wearing her clean pink gingham 
which, being becoming, she hoped to utilize several times 
before it left for a week^s seclusion in the wash. 

Taking off her sunbonnet and facing the soft breeze 
that was stealing in from the sea, Peggy clasped her 
arms around her knees, and prepared to listen and ad- 
vise. John threw himself on the sand at her feet, and 
taking a letter from his pocket, began to explain mat- 
ters before he plunged into detail. 

You understand, sweetheart, Fve been working in 
all sorts of rough places, some of them cherishing a 
civilization which was hoary with age at a time when 
our ancestors were running around garbed only in the 
chaste designs indellibly applied by the fetching woad; 
and some not so far along as these same stenciled fore- 
bears by about two thousand years of savagery. Still, 
if they insisted on having a landscape impossible for 
railroads unless brought under the restraining hand of 
man, and if the government, at the behest of money, de- 
sired to connect two cities which were before separated 
by tractless stretches of swamp or desert, mountain 
ranges or unnavigable rivers, well, thaPs where I arrive. 
If a locality, congested with useless wealth, needs an 
outlet for its trade — call John Beverley — or any other 
poor devil who has his brains for sale. Heretofore, 
sweetheart, IVe been exiled to all sorts of places where 
the truth of that verse which says that only man is vile 
is forced upon every separate sense.” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


237 


Poor old fellow/^ said Peggy, you went a-mission- 
arying with tools instead of prayer books, didn^t you ? ” 
And she leaned forward and patted the crown of the 
hat he had tilted on the back of his head. 

^^DonT be bashful — I can stand more than that — 
he said, looking up at her with a smile, and Pm starv- 
ing for iV^ he added, half under his breath, but Peggy 
chose not to hear, and John went on with kis explana- 
tion. 

So you see. Pretty Peggy 0, Fve worked my passage 
through the infernal countries IVe been describing, and 
I thought I might accept a job in Persia this summer, 
to break the distance between the savages I’ve been liv- 
ing near, not with, and the humans I’m trying to catch 
up with. I hadn’t quite decided, however, and to-day 
comes this letter from St. Petersburg, offering me a lot 
of money if I’ll go over there and build — ^here — I’ll read 
it to you 

What on earth do you suppose Amy’s doing,” asked 
Peggy, sitting up and looking earnestly up the cove. 

She’s got on her winter jacket, too, and I’m fairly 
punishing in this gingham. For gracious sake, look! 
She’s going out in that old leaky boat that Stratagem 
bought for fifty cents from the Jew idiot down on the 
island. He promised to fix it up, and on the strength 
of the promise, I bought it from him for two dollars, 
so far a dead loss. I wish Amy wouldn’t try to cross in 
it — I know it isn’t safe — and the tide is ripping out 
like a mill race. Here,” cried Peggy, standing up, 
Amy, Amy! I know she can’t hear, but I don’t like 
it, and I’ve got to attract her attention. Amy ! Do you 
see? she isn’t crossing, she’s making for the river — and 
the channel is deep as deep just there. Amy ! ” And 
Peggy’s voice shrilled high and loud, but Amy’s back 
was toward her, and she did not turn as she rowed 
slowly, and ever more slowly, to the river. 

Look here,” said John suddenly, that boat’s sink- 


238 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


ing! Good God, Peggy, I never thought it had gone 
that far! Here — ^hold these — 1^11 bring her in — and 
John kicked off his shoes while he threw watch and 
wallet in Pegg/s lap, and with the short quick steps of 
a trained athlete, ran across the small stretch of beach 
from which the tide had only begun to recede, and 
plunged into the racing water. 

Peggy watched him for a moment, then laying the 
things he had given her to take care of, on his coat on 
the sand, tugged with all her might to launch the boat 
on which she had been sitting. 

Ordinarily, Peggy’s unaided strength would scarcely 
have served to budge it, but the ghastly fear, which she 
hardly understood, but which shook her with dread, 
strengthened her arms, and by pushing and pulling, she 
at last got it to the water’s edge, then with gasping 
sobs, turned to look. 

But there was no sign of boat, nor of Amy, nor of the 
man who had gone out to save her, and Peggy’s heart 
gave a great start, then stood still — and in that moment 
she knew, past all forgetting, that she loved John 
Beverley, and that if he died, she would mourn him as 
his widow, all her life. 

But Peggy did not stop to think, or analyze. Picking 
up the oars which had been under the boat, she dragged 
them down, and stepping in, fitted them in the row- 
locks, and took her seat, and rowed with long steady 
strokes to the spot where they had disappeared. 

Rowing with her head turned, and searching the water 
with anxious eyes, Peggy almost screamed with relief 
when she saw John’s dark head appear, and a second 
later recognized that Amy was in his arms. But that 
he bore no helpless burden, his movements plainly tes- 
tified, for the water swirled under the girl’s struggles 
as she pushed him off with all her strength, and fought 
for death as for a prize worth winning. 

As she brought the boat within John’s reach, Amy; 


239 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

opened her soaked eyes, and seeing Peggy, shrieked, and 
with the power of desperation strove to shake John^s 
hold on her ; then, after a misleading show of weakness 
tore herself loose, and sank, leaving her heavy coat in his 
hands. 

John followed her, and Peggy felt as if hours had 
passed before she saw his head above the water, but this 
time there was no show of life in the figure swaying so 
limply in his hold, and as he laid his hand on the gun- 
wale, he gasped — Forgive me, Peggy, but I had to 
stun her, she was clinging to the bottom, and I couldn^t 
raise her. Sweetheart, we can^t get her in the boat, but 
Fll hold her head above water, and you row for the 
beach, Ifil keep my hand here, and I won^t have to exert 
myself at all — All aboard, you brave little woman 
and the look he gave her warmed the heart that Peggy 
had only found to know it lost. 

When Amy had been carried to her room where Mau- 
mer and Peggy undressed and put her to bed, Mrs. 
Beverley being too unnerved, she said, to do more than 
look on, and when John, also, was comfortably resting 
between lavendar scented sheets in the big guest cham- 
ber, while Stratagem carried a note to Paradise, and 
waited for the clothes it called for, Peggy seated her- 
self by Amfs side, and tried to think. 

But of all the occurrences of the morning, none sur- 
prised more than John^s words to her as he laid Amy^s 
dripping form on the couch. She was still unconscious, 
and he had looked sadly down at the face so ghastly 
pale with the shadow of death^s passing, yet so young, 
and so pitiful, and as he turned to leave the room he 
whispered in Peggy^s ear— Sweetheart, don’t be hard 
on her 

Peggy wondered; why should she be hard on her? 
did John think her so quarrelsome that she would be 
angry at an accident ? But then there came a doubt — 
was it an accident ? And Peggy before she framed th§ 
question, knew that it was not. 


240 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Poor little Pinkus/^ she thought, wondering at the 
depth of feeling which was needed to bring a girl 
like Amy — light-hearted, laughter-loving Amy — to such 
profound misery, and almost without thinking, Peggy 
reached out, and laid her soft warm hand on Amy’s 
cold one. As if the touch had aroused her, Amy opened 
her eyes. Peg ! ” her voice was weak, but grew 
stronger as she spoke. Peggy! Did you die too?” 

Nonsense,” replied Peggy smiling, we aren’t dead, 
Amy — ^we are at home, in your room. Don’t you re- 
member ? ” 

Not dead ! ” Amy sat up and stared about her vsrith 
wide, horror-strained eyes, then threw her arms above 
her head, and broke into a storm of dry, tearless sobs. 

^^Not dead!” She wailed, ^^and oh, I’ve got it all 
to do over again. Oh, Peg, I’m in torment! I’m the 
most unhappy wretch on earth. Oh, me ! Oh, me ! Oh, 
me ! ” And Amy rocked backwards and forwards, and 
wrung her hands. 

Pinkus, what’s the matter ? Can’t you tell me ? Oh, 
child, I’m so sorry for you. I want to help you, but I 
don’t know what to do. Is the trouble one that you can 
share; little sister?” But Amy shook her head and 
remained mute, so Peggy sat by the bed in silent sym- 
pathy while Amy faced her misery alone. 

After an hour’s restless tossing she sank back on her 
pillow and Peggy hoped she would fall asleep, when 
Mrs. Beverley opened the door, and coming to the bed- 
side, looked down upon her daughter’s flushed face. 

As if the look had been voiced, the girl opened her 
eyes and answered. ^^All right — all right,” she mut- 
tered, it’s only choking. Oh ! ” she screamed, clasping 
her throat with both hands, I’m choking — I’m choking 
— it’s a lie, it hurts to die — Then her voice sank and 
she whispered — it doesn’t hurt to be buried, though ; 
not after they stop throwing clods on your coffin — ^they 
wake you up, those heavy clods — and sh! I mustn’t let 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


241 


them wake my baby — ^my little baby — Oh, we won^t be 
lonely in the grave, baby and I. We^ll have each other, 
and we^ll lie there together, close and warm. I couldn^t 
let the baby go there alone — ^he might get frightened. 
Little babies need their mothers, and oh, Pll be such a 
loving, tender mother.^^ 

The whisper ceased, and Amy lay pulling at the fringe 
which edged the spread, and smiling at the sunlight on 
the ceiling. 

Peggy was afraid to look at Mrs. Beverley, and could 
only try to pray when she felt her shoulder grasped by 
her stepmothers hard, white fingers as she screamed, 
you taught her that ! You taught her to slander her 
poor mother ! Mag Beverley, if you don^t behave your- 
self, and leave me and my daughter alone, Pll kill you 
with as little compunction as I would step upon a ven- 
omous insect it was dangerous to have around ! 

Mrs. Beverley, such words are not advisable, no 
matter how truly they mirror your thoughts,^^ said Dr. 
Martineau from the doorway. met StraV^ he con- 
tinued, turning to Peggy, and he told me what hap- 
pened, so I came down to see if I could be of service.^^ 
He stopped by Amy^s bed, and laid his hand on her 
forehead. Tell me about it, Peggy. I want the whole 
business,^^ he said sternly, ignoring Mrs. Beverley com- 
pletely, although she stood close to him, her face crimson 
and her hands twitching with rage. 

I don^t care what you say, or how you try to bully 
a poor widow who never harmed you, but here I stand 
on my rights,^^ she cried shrilly. Amy is my child, 
and you shall not touch her. You and Mag will make 
a mountain of shame out of the fact that the girl slipped 
and fell in the river. It isn’t unusual — ^you’ve been in 
yourself, often — turning to Peggy — ^^but you never 
lost your good name by it, and now you’re trying to 
smut my pure child with the foul growth of your own 
imagination. Get out of here ! ” pointing to the door, 


242 PRETTY PEGGY O 

and livid with fury. Get out, or 1^11 spit in your face, 
you meddling, old busybody, leave And Mrs. Bev- 
erley^s voice rose shrilly, until she could be heard far 
and near. 

The noise roused Amy, who turned her head rest- 
lessly on the pillow, and began to talk, when her mother 
sprang forward, and laid her hand across the girFs 
mouth. 

But with a shriek which startled even Mrs. Beverley, 
Amy threw off her hand and sprang half out of bed. 
^^DonT kill me,^^ she screamed, ^^Fll kill myself, but 
I canT stand your murderous hand on me. Oh, Pm 
punished ! I was too happy ! No one on earth had ever 
loved me before. Men said so sometimes, but their love 
wasn^t like Charlie^s. And I worshipped him ! I 
couldn^t stay away from him. Oh, God — ^why did you 
make men and women, and punish them for giving way 
to the nature you gave them ? God — I love my baby — 
I love it so that I^m willing to give up everything and go 
with it, for I canT let it come to bring shame on the 
old name, and I canT let it live to curse iPs mother be- 
cause she has no husband to help her love it. No — 
1^11 go too — and there^s nobody on earth will care but 
Charlie. He’ll care. But I won’t know it when he 
stops, and he won’t care long. Men don’t even mourn 
their wives long, and I know what I am to Charlie. It’s 
all over now. I said good-bye to him, but he didn’t 
know it was different from usual. Oh, I’m tired — ^I’m 
tired ! I’m tired of trying to do right, and of loving to 
do wrong, and oh ! I’m so tired of being tired ! Is that 
the chloroform?” turning bright eyes on Dr. Martin- 
eau. You’re the grave digger, I think,” she con- 
tinued, ^^I’m sorry to trouble you, but I’m not quite 
ready yet. I’ve got to have my baby first, and then 
we’ll go with you gladly. Good-bye ! ” And with a 
gentle inclination of her head, Amy sank back upon her 
pillows, and the shadows descended upon her. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 243 


CHAPTER XXL 

Day followed night, and night in its turn gave way to 
daylight, and the spark of life which lay beneath Amy^s 
heart, went out in darkness. 

Amy was very ill, and when it was given out that her 
fall into the river had led to pneumonia, there was 
neither surprise nor unbelief, and her secret was known 
to but five people, and was safe with them. 

But after days of strenuous battle with the death she 
longed for, Amy opened her eyes upon her changed 
world, and saw Peggy standing by her bedside. Giving 
her one shy glance, she turned her head to hide the 
tears of weakness and misery she could not control, 
and Peggy, without a word bent down and kissed her; 
then kneeling, laid her head close to hers on the pil- 
low, and Amy felt herself loved and forgiven without 
a word spoken. 

That afternoon when Dr. Martineau had paid his 
visit, he signed to Peggy, who followed him into the 
hall, where the good doctor was making his hair re- 
semble the quills upon the fretful porcupine, and stamp- 
ing softly up and down by the window. 

Look here, Peggy,” he whispered anxiously, I^m 
sorry to bring you into this, but there’s no use talking 
to Mrs. Beverley, but look here—” And he paused and 
gazed through the window at the lengthening shadows 
in the garden. 

^^Pm looking, Dockelly, but what do you want me 
to see ? ” asked Peggy smiling. 

^^Why — er — the fact is, Peggy child, Worthington’s 
down stairs. The fellow came to my office, and I 


244 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


couldnT do a thing with him. The man’s off his head, 
I tell yon! I had to bring him along. See here — 
think we could let him see Amy for a minute? Dam 
Devil — I suppose it isn’t right — I suppose I’m encour- 
aging vice, and all that sort of thing, but when a fel- 
low creature’s in agony, I’ve got to help ’em — it’s my 
profession. What can we do, daughterkin ? ” And the 
doctor looked at Peggy from under his touseled hair 
with the expression of a bewildered baby. 

Peggy hesitated, then said quickly, I think Amy 
should decide this for herself, Uncle Doctor. Let me 
go ask — I won’t be a second.” And Peggy slipped back 
into Amy’s room, and closing the door softly, sat down 
by the bedside. Amy lay with her eyes fixed on the fire, 
which had dropped into a great bed of embers over which 
played tiny tongues of flame, and without changing her 
position, just moved her hand until it nestled against 
Peggy’s in dumb welcome. 

Pinkus,” said Peggy gently, I want you to decide 
this for yourself. Mr. Worthington is down stairs — 
Uncle Doctor brought him — and says that he’s so very, 
very anxious to see you. I don’t know what to say, and 
we thought we’d better not speak to ’Te Lulu about it, 
but if you’d like to see him, Amy — why 

Oh, Peg ! ” gasped Amy. If I only could ! Oh, 
^ Peggy, I’ll be good all my life long, but could I see him 
this once?” And Amy’s eyes plead for her as she 
looked at Peggy through a mist of tears. 

All right. Chickadee — ^here — ^let me fluff your hair 
a bit,” and Peggy drew the soft, red-gold curls down on 
Amy’s forehead, stooping to kiss the quivering mouth 
as she did so. 

And Peggy, just a second, but could you hand me 
my blue beads? I’m so colorless. They don’t look odd, 
do they ? ” as Peggy clasped them around the soft white 
throat. 

Odd ? not a bit of it,” replied Peggy. Now 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


245 


Pinkus, he mustn^t stay but a few minutes. Uncle 
DoctoPll leave him at the door, and go back with him, 
Pm gone ! and Peggy rejoined Dr. Martineau in the 
hall, and told him Amy was ready for her visitor. 

'^Fll get out of the way, donT you think so?^^ she 
whispered, and you^ll show him down again, eh, Doc- 
kelly ? well, good-bye,^^ and Peggy vanished. 

Dr. Martineau went slowly down the stairs, and into 
the great drawing-room. I^m going to take you up to 
her room,^^ he said to the man who came eagerly to 
meet him. Maybe Fm doing wrong, I reckon I am, 
but God help us ! I canT stand aside, and the good doc- 
tors voice trailed off into an unintelligible rumble as 
he preceded Worthington up the wide shallow stains 
and across the hall, where he knocked gently on Amy^s 
door, then opened it, and motioning him to enter, closed 
it softly behind him. 

Dr. Martineau sat on the wide window-sill, and let 
his eyes rove over the shadowy garden, and across the 
river to the fading sunset beyond. But his thoughts 
were far from the scene he looked upon, and while his 
brain noted the landscape all softened into shades of 
amethyst deepening to dusk, his heart was with the 
man and woman in the room nearby. 

^^Master,^^ he said under his breath, ^^make me do 
right about it all. I let him see her because they love 
each other so! and lovers love, no matter what else is 
missing. Oh, Jesus, they didn^t mean to fall in love, 
at least Amy didnT. TheyVe suffered, the/ve suffered, 
and when Thou wast on earth and wast asked to name 
a punishment, there was no word of blame for the sin- 
ner, only pardon. I canT judge. Lord. I don^t want 
to judge. Fm content to leave everything in Thy hands ; 
but oh. Merciful Father, when I have to act, as I did 
this afternoon — guide me — ^teach me to do Thy will, and 
may Thy tenderness heal these two hearts, which, ac- 
cording to the laws of man should never meet — ^but 


246 


^RETTY PEGGY O 

which have met — and, according to the laws of man — 
been broken in the meeting. God of love, bless them — 
and if I have done wrong in giving them a little while 
alone together, be mine the punishment. Pll take it 
Lord. I know what it means to love — ^be theirs the bless- 
ing, for the sake of ChrisPs love. Amen.^^ 

The old man sighed, and passing the back of his 
hand across his eyes, rose and walked to the bedroom 
door, where he knocked softly. Almost immediately 
Worthington joined him, and without a word, the two 
men went down the stairs, and out of the house to- 
gether. 

Some minutes later Peggy crept into Amy’s room, 
and seeing her lying with closed eyes, thought her sleep- 
ing, but as she took her seat beside the bed, Amy 
turned her face illumined with joy, and clasping her 
hand, whispered, oh, Peg, Pm so happy ! I know I’ve 
done wrong, I know I’m an outcast— a bad woman — a 
woman decent people like Mrs. Draper wouldn’t speak 
to — but for all that, I’m as happy as an angel of God. 

h® loves me so! Even if we never meet again 
on earth. I’ve got that knowledge warm in my heart. 
Oh, Peg, you know everything about me, and you haven’t 
turned from me. You’re just my ownest sister, and 
next to Charlie, I love you better than all the world be- 
side. So couldn’t you confide a little bit in me? I 
know I’ve been blinded by selfishness, but a mole could 
see how John Beverley worships you, and Charlie says 
he’s the finest fellow he ever knew. Couldn’t you tell 
me how much chance he has? I don’t want to pry, 
but I’m so happy, even in my disgrace, that I’d be thank- 
ful to be happy about you. Your love story would al- 
ways be a beautiful one, Peggy, not marred like mine, 
and oh, I wish you every joy on earth — ^but I wouldn’t 
change with you. Oh, Peg — And Amy sat up, with 
the tears streaming down her radiant face — darling, 
dearest sister — I wouldn’t change with an angel in the 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


247 


highest Heaven, not unless Charlie were there too!^^ 
And Amy buried her face in her pillow. 

Peggy patted the hand she held absently. Honest, 
I don^t know whether you^ll ever have anything to re- 
joice at about me, Pinkus,^^ she said slowly, ^^but Pm 
tottering on the verge of giving up, I think. Yes — as 
Amy started to speak, know — ^but let me tell you 
how far Tve gone first, maybe it isn^t a case for con- 
gratulations yet. 

Do tell me ! sighed Amy, in a state of high con- 
tentment, for next to her own love story, a woman 
dearly loves the love story of her friend. 

Well,^^ said Peggy, he began — er — ^you know 

Proposing ? asked Amy. 

^^Um, um,^^ said Peggy. ^^He began on Christmas, 
and he^s continued at every opportunity, and Fve been 
awfully pleased, I don’t deny that Amy, but I always 
said — not no — ^you know, but I gave noish answers, un- 
til the other day, I suddenly found Pm awfully in love 
with him. But would you believe it? Since then he’s 
never said beans! But maybe one reason is that I 
haven’t seen him. That would have an effect you know.” 

Well,” laughed Amy, he wouldn’t be apt to say 
beans, seeing he’s originally from Virginia, and he 
couldn’t say anything through a closed door with 
mamma and Spoils in attendance, no matter how much 
he suffered from repression. But Pll bet you’ve mighty 
seldom given him a fighting chance, have you, dear 
Lady Disdain?” 

Peggy smiled, then laughed, and Amy joined her. 
They were so merry, they did not hear Mrs. Beverley’s 
voice at the door, and as she entered, Peggy had only 
time to shake her head in answer to Amy’s question, as 
she rose to place a chair for her stepmother. 

Twice a day did Mrs. Beverley pay a duty visit to her 
daughter’s room, generally leaving vexation and tears 
behind her, but on this occasion^ she was graciously in- 


248 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


dined, and inquired into the cause of their hilarity with 
something approaching interest. 

We were only foolish, said Amy still smiling, and 
I was prophecying that Peggy will give her lover a 
hard run for his money when he comes a-wooing.^^ 

Mrs. Beverley widened her pale mouth politely. 
Speaking of lovers, and money, and such things,^^ she 
said affably, I received a letter by the afternoon mail 
which may interest you. Here,^^ producing a square, 
gray envelope, ^^he writes — drawing out the letter — 
that he has been spending some weeks in Florida, and 
met the McLanes, and through them heard of my ad- 
dress, so he asks if he may come down for the week end. 
Of course, turning to Peggy, and stiffening into bat- 
tle order, if you have any objection 

^^But, mamma, who is he?^^ cried Amy, ^^is he an 
old flame of yours ? 

Mrs. Beverley bridled and looked coy as she answered, 
you know, my dear, I never speak of attentions I may 
have received in — ^happier days — ^but I knew Mr. For- 
sythe intimately at one time; indeed, his mother chap- 
eroned me one summer at the Virginian Springs, and 
we were naturally much together — I haven’t seen him 
for years — she reflected, I wonder if he will consider 
me changed ! ” and she rose and peered into the mirror. 

Oh, ’Te Lulu, please ask him to come. Pll see to it 
that he has every comfort this rather uncomfortable 
village can afford. When do you expect him?” asked 
Peggy. 

^^Let me see,” ruminated Mrs. Beverley. ^^This is 
Wednesday, Pll write to-night, and get the letter off on 
to-morrow’s mail. He’s in Savannah, so he’ll probably 
arrive on Saturday, and stay over Sunday, or perhaps 
longer.” 

beg you’ll ask him to stay as long as you will,” 
cried Peggy. This is a most ungodly time of year to 
get anything for people to eat, for oysters and game are 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


249 


out, and summer stuff isn^t in yet. However, there’s 
always a chicken in the coop, thank goodness, and in 
the spring the voice of the broiler is heard in the land. 
People like broilers — I never could guess why — ^they 
look so pathetic, with their little legs crossed like the 
effigies of Crusaders, and all their immature bones 
showing up so honestly. Eggs aren’t bad, and I should 
think a grown-up chicken would be glad to die, but I’m 
sorry for broilers,” and Peggy gave a pensive, but 
smothered yawn, for Mr. Pors3d;he was not interested in 
anticipation, and in her heart she was wondering if 
John would not be glad of her company. She hoped he 
would — she hoped he was thinking of her at that mo- 
ment, and wishing — all sorts of things — of course she 
could not invade the great guest chamber where John 
was fighting back to health under the care of Maum’ 
Chloe and Treason, with Dr. Martineau in charge. 

He had suffered a severe relapse from his un- 
seasonable plunge into the river, and instead of return- 
ing at once to Paradise in all the comfort of dry gar- 
ments, and surmounted by the halo of heroism, he had 
been for days supine in the great four-post bed, which, 
with its hea\y curtains of yellow silk, thick with Chinese 
embroidery, his fevered senses converted into a prison, 
and for hours he would lie watching the parasoled Man- 
darins who seemed to come and go, and ride on storks, 
and fan each other into flights of butterflies, with busy 
inattention to his cries for release 

Once turned in the right direction, however, John’s 
clean vigorous manhood asserted itself, and at this mo- 
ment he knew himself quite well enough for the drive 
to Paradise, but was also quite bent upon remaining 
where he was. 

Peggy wondered if he thought of her, with the pleased 
certainty that he was steadily employed in that manner 
during most, if not all, of his waking hours, but John 
had no such comforting reflection to cheer his conva- 


250 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


lescence, and he made np his mind to gain speech with 
her, and to insist, with all the pent-up power he was 
charged with, upon the answer his heart craved. 

It was with a sigh of resignation that he turned from 
his day dreams, and called up a perfunctory smile when 
he saw Mrs. Beverley sail into his room the next morn- 
ing, for the lady ministered to his wants most assidu- 
ously, and with a devotion in no way hindered by any 
knowledge of his love for Peggy. 

come to read to you,^^ she announced, as she 
sat down beside his couch ; her purplish pink cheeks, and 
dull red hair — aided by the rose-colored Canton crepe 
shawl with which she had draped her muslin-clad 
shoulders, making such a hideous jumble of colors 
against his yellow bed curtains, that John shut his eyes 
and tried to escape both sight and hearing by feigning 
sleep. 

But Mrs. Beverley was bent upon the course she con- 
sidered best for his good, and her own prospects, and 
quite unconscious that there was even a suspicion in 
John’s mind of Amy’s accident not being accidental, she 
continued her pursuit of the Opportunity Fate had 
delivered into her hands. 

I know,” she began coquettishly, that most gentle- 
men care very little for poetry, but I think you are 
probably an exception. I don’t know why,” she went on, 
with a widening of the lips meant for a smile, ^^but I 
feel as if I understood your nature so thoroughly — that 
I am so at one with you in thought and — er — ^taste, you 
know, and all that — ^that you must like the sort of read- 
ing which I, myself, prefer.” Mrs. Beverley paused, and 
J ohn murmured something polite. 

Now this,” she went on, is my favorite volume. 
Do you know it well ? It’s called ” looking at the back — 
Garlands of Gladness, or Soothing Songs by Sweet 
Voiced Singers.” 

^^No!” replied John with a vigor which almost 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


251 


changed the word into a groan, and I assure you 

Never mind me ! she interrupted him, I simply 
rejoice in all such literature. Just lie still, and Fll pick 
you out some gems — really gems of thought and ex- 
pression ! There^s a part here called — er — er — oh, here 
it is — ^ Pearls of Poesie.^ Shall I read a few Pearls ? 

^^You^re awfully good,^^ said John, giving up, and 
wondering if it wouldn’t pay to be a savage. A savage, 
he reflected, could choke Mrs. Beverley with her own 
book — scout through the house for Peggy, and carry 
her off to where her stepmother, supposing she re- 
covered from her dose of Pearls, could never find them. 

So immersed was he in his Pre-Adamite desires, that 
the first Pearl escaped him, so he nodded assent and 
murmured, beautiful,” as Mrs. Beverley paused for 
critizism. 

Yes, isn’t is?” cried she, warmed into even greater 
enthusiasm, ^^now here’s another; I always thought 
this so sweet 

‘ The gliding shadows, passion pale 
Gleam down yon narrow winding vale, 

And sounds are flung upon the gale 

Of souls in their extremity I 

When darkness whispers to the night 

Of things gone wrong — where might makes ri^t— 

Of sodden things of earth — less bright 
Than those of dawn^s solemnity ! ^ 

Isn’t that wonderful ? ” demanded Mrs. Beverley, as 
I always say, it gives so much food for thought. Now 
here — ^listen to this — I call this the very essence of soul- 
fulness, don’t you ? ^ When rosy ’ — oh dear me — come 
in!^' 

Good-morning, Dr. Martineau,” cried John, fearing 
to give way to the fervor of his welcome. 

Good-moming, Mrs. Beverley — ^’Morning, Beverley, 


252 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


how are you? No need^ Madam/^ as Mrs. Beverley rose 
to leave, nevertheless holding the door open, and bowing 
her out. Then closing it. Dr. Martineau returned to 
J ohn, and looking at him over his spectacles, said whim- 
sically, like poetry, eh ? 

Like it ! but J ohn could do no justice to the situ- 
ation when recumbent, so swinging his long legs around 
and assuming a sitting position, he replied, if that old 
lady doesnT take her Pearls of Poesie off my tottering 
brain, 1^11 not be answerable for my homicidal tenden- 
cies. Look here, Dr. Martineau, I want you to help me. 
Mayn’t I see Peggy?” 

Huh ? ” asked the doctor, stiffening 

I ask your pardon, I should have said Miss Bever- 
ley,” said J ohn smiling, but I think you’ll forgive me 
when I tell you — ^though I’m sure you know it already 
— that I’m doing my best to have her change that pre- 
fix, and become Mrs. — not Miss Beverley — ^by Easter.” 

Easter you say? Darn Devil!” ejaculated his by 
no means cordial confidant — well ? ” 

But it isn’t well,” complained John, I tell you 
man, I’m hungry for a sight of her. To have, instead, 
this — er — stepmother with her ^ Gladsome Garlands ! ’ 
Why, it’s more than human nature can stand ! Couldn’t 
you chaperone her on just a short visit to me? Do you 
think she’d come ? ” 

Dr. Martineau rumpled his hair first with one hand, 
and then with the other, finally he took his head in both 
hands, and after one frenzied sweep, smiled from the 
wreckage. 

How do you feel, eh ? ” he asked, think you could 
crawl down stairs ? ” 

Try me ! ” and John stood erect. But look here — 
I’ve got to get into a coat. Any woman would scorn a 
man who tried to court her in a fur-trimmed, knitting 
bag with a string around it ! That’ll be all right, won’t 
it?” 


PRETTY PEGGY p 


253 


Sure,” beamed the doctor, entering into the spirit 
of it like a school boy — here, you get into your court- 
ing togs, and I’ll help you down to the circular room. 
That’s Peggy’s own, where it’s battle, murder, and cer- 
tain death to intrude — then I’ll go in and tell her that 
I’ve left a present there for her, and she’ll come skipping 
— mark me ! ” 

You’re awfully good,” said John, as, rather breath- 
less, but looking strong and handsome, he brought up in 
the circular room, and Dr. Martineau prepared to leave 
him. 

Well,” said the old man slowly, Fm trusting Peg- 
gy’s instinct. If she says it all right. I’ll say so too. 
Darn Devil, man! But if she trusts you, and if later 
she finds out she’s made a mistake, God have mercy on 
your soul ! ” And with tears in his eyes. Dr. Martineau 
snorted defiance, and turned to leave the room with the 
stealthy tread of a conspirator. 

Here, wait a minute,” cried John, just let me tell 
you please that if I don’t keep my word to Peggy, I’ll 
not only give you leave to get me out of the way, but 
I’ll help you — thank you sir.” And John held out his 
hand which Dr. Martineau gripped in the beginning of 
a friendship which never faltered while they lived. 


254 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


CHAPTER XXII. 

While Dr. Martineau went np to Amy’s room in 
search of Peg^, John, who was greatly surprised to 
find his heart heating all over his body, and a shakiness 
of the knees which he scorned to attribute to either 
weakness or fright, took up a strategic position where he 
would probably not be seen from the doorway, and 
waited with what patience he could summon for Peggy’s 
arrival. 

But it was quite ten minutes, and he had grown 
worried and despondent, before he heard the tapping 
of little high-heeled shoes along the corridor, and the 
next moment Peggy had fiung open the door, and he 
had caught her in his arms. 

Don’t be frightened, sweetheart,” he cried softly. 

I didn’t mean to do it — I just couldn’t help it, and 
now it’s done, I can’t go back. Please say you aren’t 
angry. Peggy, have I hurt you?” And John stopped 
the kisses with which he had punctuated his remarks 
long enough to look down into the pale face on his 
breast. 

Frightened ! ” cried Peggy indignantly. I’m 
scared to death ! Is this the way you assault and batter 
luckless damsels who walk into your presence without 
warning? I declare,” and the dark eyes smiled up at 
him, while the fiush on her face deepened into rose, if 
I didn’t recognize that it’s my bounden duty to look 
after you, and regulate your manners, I’d stalk out of 
this room like a chapterful of heroines — ^but while I’m 
making up my mind, tell me, are you really better?” 

^^I’m quite well since I’ve seen you, dearest,” re- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


255 


plied John gallantly. Indeed, I was able to go home 
days ago, but I conldn^t go without a glimpse of you, 
and I couldn’t contrive any way of remaining too ill to 
leave, and yet find my Pretty Peggy 0. But Pve got 
you now, and I’ll never let you go again, my darling — 
sweetheart — wife ! ” and J ohm’s voice broke as he laid 
his cheek against hers. 

Come, sit down here,” said Peggy, seating herself 
on a small sofa and patting the place beside her, you 
aren’t well enough to stand, and you’re exerting your- 
self too much — don’t you know squeezing is a very per- 
nicious form of exercise? There — now tell me every- 
thing about everything.” 

^^I will,” responded John promptly, ^^I’ll begin by 
saying that my sweetheart is the most beautiful woman 
on earth — and no matter what else I may appear to be 
saying, at odd times, you must remember that this is 
what I’m thinking, first, last and always. And I’ve got 
only one more theme worthy of expression, which is, that 
I beg you, Peggy, marry me at Easter — ^won’t you? I’d 
say sooner, darling, but it’s Lent now; but you’ll be 
ready at Easter, eh? Easter Monday — ^how would that 
do?” 

I don’t know when Easter comes. I’ve been so dis- 
tracted lately, that I don’t know Fourth of July from 
Christmas,” replied Peggy, ^^but on one matter I’m 
firm. I’ve got a little money on hand from the sale of 
Kingsgift, and I’m going to have a trousseau if it takes 
ten years and every penny to get one. Oh, John, don’t 
you wish you were a girl and could wear clothes ? ” 

^^I’d have you know. Miss Beverley,” replied John 
sternly, that I almost never go without them. ^ Is thy 
servant a dog?”’ 

Nonsense!” laughed Peggy, ^^you don’t call those 
bifurcated cloth things, and those dismal-tailed acces- 
sories clothes, do you? You poor benighted heathen! 
Oh, yes,” as John insisted upon taking toll for imper- 


2s6 pretty PEGGY Q 

tinence, dare say they^re garments, but if I were 
so unhappy as to be a man, Fd wear an embroidered 
flounce around each trouser, and have my coat tails ac- 
cordion pleated/^ And Peggy^s laugh rang out so mer- 
rily, that Dr. Martineau, coming down the stairs, heard 
the sound, and left the house with his face softened by 
a loving smile. 

Well, you^re not a man — thank God for that ! said 
John, ^^but I^m in earnest, little sweetheart. Pm in 
such a funk for fear Fll lose you. Fve had to beg so 
hard, Peggy, and I know you don^t love me as I love you 
— ^you couldn^t. I want to make sure of you, darling.^^ 
Peggy looked at him gravely as she answered, 
know you think I haven^t much depth of feeling, be- 
cause I talk nonsense, but honest — I believe I do that 
to hide how much I really do feel. And you dbn^t have 
to worry about losing me — though maybe Pd better not 
say that until you hear something which I ought to tell 

you, John, but which I don^t know how to say 

^^Don^t tell me anything you don^t want to, sweet- 
heart,^^ interrupted John, maybe I understand mat- 
ters — or I think I do — ^but nothing will ever come be- 
tween us except your own will, Peggy. I love you — 
you^re beautiful, but I don’t love you for that — ^though 
I rejoice in your beauty, and am as proud of it as if I 
were personally responsible. And you’re witty, darling, 
and graceful, and good, and everything that the Lord 
ever made of the best, but I don’t love you for any of 
these — I just love you. I’m perfectly helple&s — I love 
you. I was drawn to you as I think the first man was 
drawn to the woman who was a part of himself. Sweet- 
heart, I can’t make you understand, because I don’t 
understand myself — I just love you.” And John laid 
his lips on the little hand he held in his. 

Peggy nodded. I’m glad it’s that way, but Pm none 
the less bound to tell you some things. Wait — let’s 
understand, we’re not engaged yet — listen, John, I fear 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


257 


Amy^s life wonT be happy with ^Te Lulu, and I have 
determined that her home must always be with me, so 
the man who takes me, takes Amy — understand ? Don^t 
speak yet! There^s more — and Pve got to tell you, so 
let me get it over. 

J ohn, when my father married ^Te Lulu, he did so to 
save the name, for she was a Beverley too, and she had 
dragged it in the dirt — so he couldnT really save it, only 
he gave the happiness of his life to keep the stain from 
being known, and — he — ^she 

DonT go on, sweetheart, if you mind said John 
sympathetically, I^m a Beverley too — ^what does it 
matter ? Besides, iPs you I want, and Pd want you and 
love you all the more for every reason you can find 
against it.^^ 

^^You^re kind,^^ whispered the girl, rubbing her hot 
cheek against his sleeve, but I must. I must tell you 
that Amy was born three months after Daddy had gone 
through the form of marriage with ^Te Lulu, and the 
reason I tell you, is that you may realize there^s a lot 
in heredity — no matter what the wise men of the day 
say — and that if Amy has been — unhappy — oh John, 
be gentle in your judgment — ^look at the mother she 
has — and no father at all — and she loves love — and 
longs for it. Poor little Pinkus, she never knew why 
Daddy loved me best — neither did I for that matter, and 
^Te Lulu hasnT as much mother love as a fish ! Let’s be 
good to Amy, John. Can you stand me — ^under the 
circumstances ? ” and Peggy, half laughing, half crying, 
yielded to the close embrace with which her question 
was answered. 

^^Do you suppose we’re really engaged?” she asked, 
some minutes later, because if we are, I can wear my 
ring. I’ll not deny I’ve been sorely tempted — and also, 
that I always wear it at night, after my door is locked — 
but in the suspicious, keen-eyed daytime, I carry it 
here,” and slipping her hand under her little white 




PRETTY PEGGY O 


jSschu, she drew out a slender gold chain on which was 
hung the ring John had given her at Christmas. 

Here, put it on with a wish/^ she said, slipping it 
from the chain and handing it to him, and when the 
ceremony had been performed, and payment exacted, 
she held her head on one side and turned her hand to 
catch the sparkle of the stone. 

^^IPs a beauty — and Pm awfully obliged,^^ she said, 
^^but oh, John, Pm so much more obliged for what it 
stands for ! For Pve been so lonely, John — I\e missed 
Daddy so! Oh, John, I love you — dearly, but I do so 
love you to love me ! and of her own accord, Peggy hid 
her face in her lovePs arms. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


259 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

Mrs. Beverley'^s exertions in honor of Mr. Forsythe 
were of so strenuous a character that both Peggy and 
Amy wondered. 

She had finally decided against suggesting that John 
should resign the best guest chamber in favor of the new 
arrival, but to make up for any delinquencies in the room 
assigned him, she decorated his mantelpiece with vio- 
lets, and placed a large photograph of herself in black 
silk, and a smirking smile, on his dressing-table. 

And all the morning of the day sacred to his arriml, 
Beverley pursued his dreams in peace, and was not called 
upon to absorb either Garlands or Pearls of poetic im- 
port. Instead, he and Peggy wandered in the blossom- 
ing garden while Amy slept, and after the mid-day din- 
ner, at which he was now considered suSiciently con- 
valescent to appear, he made himself comfortable in a 
hammock on the side piazza, where he seemed to read, 
but where he listened instead, to Peggy^s voice as she 
sang to Amy in the room above him. 

According to Mrs. Beverley^s computation, the friend 
of her youth could not be reasonably expected before 
five o’clock, but she took no chances, and was ready for 
welcome and conquest quite two hours before he could 
possibly arrive. 

Since his letter — conveying the surprising news that 
he remembered, and wished to see her — she had racked 
her brains to find some hint of admiration or affection 
in his manner on the few occasions they had been alone 
together. Being unable to recollect anything at all 
about him, however, except a tendency to baldness and 


26 o 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


pill-taking, she finally decided that, as she had been a 
giddy young thing of something under thirty summers 
at the time of their slight acquaintance, she had over- 
looked hints which he had very likely considered fraught 
with meaning, and settled the matter to her entire sat- 
isfaction by believing that he had nursed his untold 
love until the news of her widowhood, when he had 
taken the first opportunity to claim her for his own. 

Therefore, the pains taken with her toilette, added to 
her happy anticipation of an eager, and perhaps wealthy 
lover, resulted in an appearance which might prove in- 
teresting to any observer, and which to herself was ab- 
solutely satisfactory. 

As she stood before the mirror and critically regarded 
her reflection, her heart sang aloud in its delight at her 
matronly beauty. To be sure, the svelte lines of her 
girlish figure were lost in the superabundant curves, 
which, however, preserved their proportion, and were 
emphasized into a sort of classic dignity by the soft, 
black silk gown which clung to her and gave a grace to 
her carriage which she recognized, but for which she 
would have been the last to thank the girls^ careful dress- 
making. The old thread lace which belonged to Peggy’s 
grandmother was again raided from the box where such 
treasures were kept, and to which Peggy restored it 
after each reappearance — neither lady speaking of the 
circumstance — but each resenting the necessity of the 
act, and determined — Mrs. Beverley to have her own 
way — and Peggy to have her own lace — no matter how 
often the bone of contention should change hands. 

As usual when arrayed for inspection, Mrs. Beverley 
now appropriated the long fischu and ruffles she con- 
sidered so becoming. Her gown was a little open, show- 
ing her large, white neck, and from the elbow sleeves, 
her arms shone like ivory through the fine meshes of 
the lace. Her hands and feet were perfect, and if the 
face which looked out above the black velvet ribbon she 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


261 


had tied around her throat, was large, and square, with 
hard red cheeks and a pale mouth not given to smiling 
— if her small blue eyes were hard, and dull, and seldom 
met the eyes of those who spoke to her — and if the 
wealth of red hair which crowned the whole was free 
from glint of gold, or shade of auburn — still, Mrs. Bev- 
erley was a handsome woman, and as she pinned the 
violets on her breast where the fischu crossed and fell in 
long tabs almost to her feet, she was entirely satisfied 
with the result of her efforts, and acknowledged to her- 
self that she was a woman worth any man^s admiration 
— an opinion she was quite certain she shared with every- 
one who knew her, with the possible exception of Dr. 
Martineau, and that thorn in her ease-loving flesh — 
Peggy Beverley. 

Before going down stairs to arrange herself, book in 
hand, in a becoming attitude where she would be so 
lost in literary reverie that Mr. Porsythe^s entrance 
would be the signal for a little byplay — a start of sur- 
prise — perhaps a blush? Who could tell? But before 
setting the stage for such effects, Mrs. Beverley stopped 
in Amy^s room to pay the perfunctory afternoon visit. 

What gorgeousness, mamma ! ” cried Amy, her gay 
young voice pathetic in its weakness, what ever Brer^ 
Digbys recollection of Miss Lulu Beverley may be, he^ll 
find the finished article more to his taste — be sure of 
that, anyhow.^^ 

Mrs. Beverley condescended to smile, as she replied, 

nonsense, Amy, Pm far past the time for any man^s 
admiration — iPs a thing I never think of,^^ she con- 
tinued virtuously. ^^In my opinion, a man^s declara- 
tion of affection should come always as a surprise — and 
it does,^^ she added, ^^to everyone who is at heart a 
gentlewoman. MargareV^ turning to Peggy, who was 
seated on the floor by Amy^s couch, drawing designs of 
such gowns as she hoped soon to possess in the form of 
a trousseau. 


262 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Margaret — Pm surprised to see you still in that old 
blue gingham — ^you^re always harping upon the fact 
that this is your house, and that you’re mistress, so I 
should think you’d be down to welcome a guest — even 
though he may be unwelcome — as he comes expressly 
to see me/' and Mrs. Beverley sneered and bridled at the 
same time, the combination resulting in a resemblance 
to a discouraged sneeze. She had no wish for Peggy’s 
company at her meeting with the man she now firmly 
believed to be her hopeful lover, and the remark was 
only the effect of her desire to be disagreeable, so she was 
angry and dismayed when the girl answered, That’s 
so, ’Te Lulu, Pm glad you reminded me. Honestly, I 
didn’t know it was so late. Pinkus, I hate to leave you, 
but I won’t be long. As soon as I can skip into my 
company rags, Pll come back and stay with you until 
we hear his hoofs upon the hill — ^so long,’ as Telfair 
says when he bids an affectionate good-bye.” 

Company rags,” snorted Mrs. Beverley, for a girl 
whose clothes are a disgrace to her poverty, I think 
Mag Beverley has the strangest expressions ! ” 

How do her clothes disgrace her poverty, mamma ? ” 
asked Amy. ^^It seems to me Peggy’s frocks always 
exactly suit the occasion, and although she and Selina, 
with my help, are responsible for most of the stitchery. 
Peg has such ideas — and designs everything herself — 
that somehow, I never saw anyone who gave an impres- 
sion of being better dressed.” 

There you go,” fumed Mrs. Beverley, you’d de- 
cide with Beelzebub against your own mother. Oh, 
Pm used to it ! I feel every day the truth of that verse 
in the Bible which speaks of the ingratitude of one’s 
child being like the venom of a serpent warmed in 
one’s bosom. Nobody knows the pain of that better 
than I ! ” And Mrs. Beverley dabbed her eyes with a 
dainty handkerchief bearing Peggy’s monogram. 

Do, mamma,” said Amy, I didn’t mean to be 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


263 


mde or to hurt you, and really, I donT see how what 
I say about Peg effects you at all. I only meant that 
with all those girls over at Paradise — ^the ones that 
Mrs. van Kamp dresses, and all — Peggy more than 
held her ground. You know, she has a way of wearing 
her clothes, and she looks a lot more swagger in a 
plain gingham and sunbonnet, than Cissy Draper does 
in that dirty French gown she got out of a missionary 
box. 

Cissy Draper ! said Mrs. Beverley scornfully. 
Cissy Draper has too many teeth to ever look stylish. 
SheM be a flaunting country girl, and her mother 
would be a down at heel cat, even if Cissy had carte 
blanche at Wortlfls, and Mrs. Draper romped around 
in white wings and a brand-new halo ! 

Mamma, why mamma laughed Amy, never 
heard such a delightful description — and you brought 
it out without a smile. Oh, if Cissy could have had her 
ear at the keyhole 

She couldnT have got it there,^^ asserted Mrs. Bev- 
erley, iPs too big. I declare I often look at that girl 
in Church. I wish their pew wasnT just ahead of ours. 
It^s a mistake, in my opinion, to put the Clergyman's 
family jam up under the paternal eye. Anyhow, 
Cissy Drapers ears annoy me. They are like palmetto 
fans, and in winter they^re red, and in summer they^re 
— er — greasyish. Ifll be thankful when she hauls down 
her pompadour, and covers them up with the wreck- 
age.^^ 

Mamma, you^re coming out in a new and a most 
entertaining vein,” cried Amy, ^^have you just evolved 
this opinion of the Drapers, or has it smouldered in 
your mind, until like murder, it would out? Do go on 
— ^talk some more — ^tell me about your visit to Miss 
Martineau yesterday — And Amy lay back and .turned 
a happy face to her mother. It was so seldom they met 
without a clash, that the daughter hailed such occa- 


264 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


sions as blue letter days in her calendar of home life. 
As for Mrs. Beverley, she was so pleasantly excited at 
the prospect of Digby Forsythe^s visit — so satisfied with 
her appearance and surroundings — so certain of the 
effect they would have upon the already appropriated 
lover — ^that she was raised far above the level of her 
every day thoughts, and to her secret delight found her- 
self quoting Peggy’s opinions with a certainty of touch 
which branded them as her own. 

Miss Martineau was out,” she replied to Amy’s ques- 
tion. I saw her later, though, at Lovey Overholme’s. 
Gracious me, but that woman would get up in the mid- 
dle of the night and walk around Oglethorpe barefoot 
if she could get a cruller by doing it ! I never was in 
her house yet, but I smelled the things frying, and yes- 
terday she had a great plateful handed with the tea. 
They looked too greasy for me, and I don’t think she 
liked it when I told her so — ^but it was true. Anyhow, 
Miss Martineau, who couldn’t hold her tea cup and 
her lorgnette with one hand while she helped herself, 
didn’t see how they fairly flowed lard — or whatever 
they’re cooked with — and seized one in her new gray 
gloves, then when she saw the stain on her fingers, 
dropped it in her new gray silk lap. I had to laugh, 
but she was really angry with me. As for poor old 
Lovey, she nearly cried, and the last I saw of them, they 
were flying across the yard to the kitchen, where Levey’s 
old idiot cook was to iron out the spot over blotting 
paper. But you can’t imagine how funny it all was ! ” 
And Mrs. Beverley leaned back and laughed at the 
recollection. 

Amy smiled in sympathy with her mother’s mirth, 
though she said thoughtfully, reckon it was tragic 
enough for poor Miss Martineau, though, for she’s been 
looking forward to that frock all winter. She bought 
the stuff in Charleston, when she went to get Peggy’s 
outfit for the ball, and she’s tired Oglethorpe with Mk 
of its glories ever since.” 


265 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

Yes, and that was the first time she ever wore it/^ 
said Mrs. Beverley complacently. Maybe Pm un- 
charitable, but I canT help disliking that woman — she’s 
like a — er 

She’s like a pickle,” chimed in Amy, a sharp, 
little green pickle — the kind that make you screw up 
your mouth, and weep helpless tears because of its sour- 
ness. Peggy,” she cried, as she heard steps in the hall, 
do come listen to mamma — she’s that sarcastic ! ” 

What about ? ” smiled Peggy, standing in the door- 
way. Wait ! ” she added, holding up her hand, when 
is the young man to arrive, ’Te Lulu? Methinks I 
hear wheels, and though they may belong to Uncle 
Doctor, ten to one they’re the dished in set that threaten 
life and limb of such as drive over from the Junction. 
Eun, ’Te Lulu, you fall on his neck first — and I’ll com- 
plete the onslaught in about three minutes. I want 
Amy to pin this up for me first. Eun ! ” 

Mrs. Beverley, although she felt herself in such fettle 
that she might worst even Peggy in argument, neverthe- 
less allowed the opportunity to pass, not having time, 
for the moment, to attend to the matter properly. So, 
with only an access of dignity, meant to express her 
opinion of a young woman who could so far forget her- 
self as to offer such advice to an older, and presumably 
a better one, sailed down the stairs and was seated in 
the drawing-room, so immersed in her book that she 
started quite naturally when, three minutes later. Trea- 
son announced Mr. Forsythe. 

Here, Pinkus — jack up this please,” said Peggy, 
kneeling by Amy’s side, and handing pins over her 
shoulder one by one. I didn’t remember it had ripped 
until I had it on. Ouch!” 

Ouch ! ” winced Amy in sympathy. I didn’t 
mean to, but the pin slipped. There — stand up and 
let me look at you before you go down to bedazzle 
that already bedazzled young man. You needn’t 
blush — I mean BreP Digby, of course I ” 


266 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 

Both girls laughed, and as Peggy rose she said, 
look me over, Amy — if I remember, this frock 
never was finished. I donT believe iPs much more 
than basted together, but Pve got it on now, and I 
hate to make another beautifying — does it look weak- 
ish ? 

No, iPs simply perfect ! replied Amy with a sigh 
of contented admiration. Peggy, you^re the strang- 
est girl — every color you wear is the one I think is 
the one most becoming to you — ^but I think I^ve de- 
cided once for all now, and iPs this one. What would 
you call it? IPs far too pink to be yellow — and too 
yellow to be pink — ^yet in the high lights iPs silvery. 
Where on earth did you get it ? I never saw it before, 
did I? And oh. Peg, who did the embroidery ? 

Pll confess,^^ said Peggy smiling, and Pm aw- 
fully glad you like it. You know all that riff-raff 
Pve got up stairs of mothePs, and grandmothePs, 
and a lot more others? Well, I was searching for 
possibilities one day this Spring, when I came across 
a tremendous crepe de chine shawl, and behold the 
result ! Didn^t I applique that embroidery like a 
fairy? And it is a lovely color, isn’t it? Apricot, 
would’nt you call it? A sort of tea rose shade, which 
reminds me — ^how do you think a bud or two would 
look in my fiaming topknot? Approved? Good, so 
do I. And Amy — ^look!” And Peggy held out her 
left hand where Amy caught the sparkle of a new; 
ring. 

Oh, Peg, so iPs over ! Oh, Peggy, Pm glad — ^glad — 
glad!'' And the tears which ran down Amy’s cheeks 
were all of happiness for Peggy. Her own love story, 
bruised, and beyond the pale as it was, was held warm 
in her loving heart; and while she rejoiced in Peggy’s 
happiness, she would not have changed with her, or 
anyone else on earth. 

P^ggy hent and kissed the flushed wet cheek, then 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


267 


gathering her skirts in one hand, ran lightly down 
the stairs, meaning to speak to Mr. Forsythe on her 
way to the garden, but as she reached the landing, a 
long, tweed-clad figure unfolded itself from the window 
seat, and caught her as she was passing. 

Sh ! whispered Peggy, laying her finger lightly 
across John^s lips. ^^The manny-boy has arrived! 
DonT you hear his booming base, keeping time to ^Te 
Lulu^s society treble? Pm going to say howdy — as be- 
hooves the lady of the manor — then 1^11 join anybody 
who happens to be enjoying the beauties of nature in the 
garden. Who do you leckon that will be?^^ raising 
innocent eyes to the face above her. 

donT reckon — I know!” replied John con- 
dently. But donT for a moment deceive yourself by 
thinking you can shake me in the meantime. Fm 
going to interview this swain who has dogged Mrs. 
Beverley to her lair, and who is very likely proposing 
to take her — for — er — any old thing at this moment. 
DonT spoil sport, Margaret Maturin — and stop this 
unseemly show of jealousy. You ought to be ashamed 
to grudge one litle beau-boy to poor hungry Lou!” 

With badly suppressed laughter they went down 
stairs, and across the hall together, and when just 
outside the drawing-room, Peggy hesitated, then, in 
a voice not too low to be heard by the couple within, 
she said, ^^just wait a moment, please, I think Mr. 
Forsythe has come, and I want to go in and welcome 
him. ril join you presently — And with a de- 
lightful little moue, Peggy turned from him and en- 
tered the drawing-room where Mrs. Beverley, flushed 
and triumphant, sat tete-a-tete with her new found 
friend. 

Peggy advanced with a smile and held out her hand 
to the tiny man who had risen at her entrance. 

^^Pm very glad to see you, Mr. Forsythe — Then, 
as Mrs. Beverley made no effort at introduction, she 


268 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


added, Peggy Beverley, Mrs. Beverley’s step- 

daughter, you know. I just stopped by when I heard 
your voice, to tell you that you’re very welcome, and 
that I hope you’ll be comfortable and stay as long as 
you can stand the quiet life of Oglethrope. ’Te Lulu, 
Treason will show Mr. Forsythe his room when he’s 
ready — ” Then flashing a brilliant smile on the 
little man who had never taken his bulging eyes from 
her face, she added, ^^Fm not going to interrupt — 
I know you both have a lot to say to each other, and 
I’ll see you presently at supper. I only came in for 
a moment to welcome ’Te Lulu’s friend to my home,” 
and with a laughing nod, she left the room. 

^^What is it that Solomon calls for when he needs 
bracing? Doesn’t he shriek to be stayed by flagon^ 
and comforted with apples? Well, bring on your 
fruit — solid and liquid — cried Peggy, as she joined 
John in the garden. Never — never have I been so 
hacked. Honest, John, do you think I’m countrified? 
I mean, did you think I was countrified when you 
first met me? I realize you aren’t normal at present, 
and regard me with the admiration of possession. 
But honest — did you, just at first ? ” 

If you call a rose countrified, or a lily, then yes,” 
said John slowly, ^^but I didn’t any more stop t6 
think of your environment than I’d wonder where a 
flower grew when I only longed to wear it where every 
one could see and envy me its possession. Why? Did 
the Beaulet think you countrified? Say the word, and 
I’ll murder him to any music you select. Speak damsel ! 
Thy trusty knight but waits thy sanction to prick 
forth and do such gentle slicing of the varlet’s carcass, 
that he will never more look upon the face of maid 
or matron save in sections most unlovely to behold — ‘ 
Trust ” 

Murder! John Beverley,” cried Peggy, ^^I never 
heard so talkative a person ! Why you could give cards 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


269 


and spades to the howlingest suffragette, and beat her 
hollow at her own game. Do listen. I never get a 
word in edgeways when I’m with you — if we ever 
should get married, I reckon I’ll gradually grow dumb, 
from lack of opportunity to talk ! But you won’t know 
it,” asserted Peggy, you’ll be so used to the entire 
parole, you’ll never realize my poor little tongue is 
withered in my useless mouth from lack of exercise. 
I declare, I’m almost moved to tears only to contem- 
plate such a fate. John!” shaking his arm — aren’t 
you sorry for me? Aren’t you ashamed you’re such a 
t — t — ? (that stands for talkative tyrant) John! 
For mercy’s sake say something! You’re enough to 
infuriate a saint — I mean any other saint — ainty yo’ 
yeddy me fo’ talk to yo’? Huccome yo’ no talk back? 
Now look — I’ve even encouraged you in gullah, and 
you’re still dumb as — as a woman ! ” 

^^Whew,” whistled John, ^^I see my finish! First 
I’m ‘stamped fiat because I talk, and then I’m fiung 
to the dogs because I don’t. Fire away, sweetheart, 
tell me about Mrs. Beverley’s capture. I believe you’re 
jealous! Not content with a victim who is the laugh- 
ing stock of his friends, and the delight of his enemies, 
because of his overwhelming admiration for you, you’re 
seeking for more worlds to conquer. Well, how’s the 
late arrival?” 

Oh, J ohn, you ought to see him ! ” and Peggy’s 
laugh rang out merrily. To begin with, he’s just my 
height, or maybe not so tall, and thin all over except 
his embonpoint! That’s fit for an alderman — and his 
little legs stick out from it like matches stuck in a 
potato. He’s all curves, John, his knees curve, then 
his equator, then his shoulders, they curve the other 
way — and his eyes stick out till you could hang your hat 
on them ! And he’s bald — ^bald as my hand — and from 
the glimpse I caught of them, I’m sure his teeth are 
crockery! And what do you think he wore over all 


270 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


these beauteousities ? A duster, John! they call them 
dusters, donT they? You see pictures of them some- 
times in the funny papers. They^re made out of pale 
brown linen — as least BreP Digby^s is — and Pve a hor- 
rible suspicion, judging from the looks of it that he has 
slept in it for a month ! 

You wicked little witch,^^ said John fondly, as, hid- 
den by the hedge he ventured to take her in his arms. 
Peggy darling, forgive me for harping upon a harp of a 
single string, but you^re such a lovely woman! Every 
time I see you you^ve grown more beautiful, but youVe 
reached the limit this afternoon, sweetheart. Even you 
canT exceed yourself as you look to-day — and I^m so 
proud,^^ he whispered, bending until he spoke with his 
lips against her ear — and Peggy, Pm so frightened — 
darling, I^m sick with fear that you^ll throw me over. 
Nobody knows better than I that I^m not worthy of you, 
and some day maybe another fellow will convince you 
that you are far and away too good for me. I know it — 
I\e always known it — ^but Peggy, surely love counts for 
something, and no man on earth can love you better than 
I do. Oh darling — ^^sweetheart — ^blessing — I beg you to 
marry me soon, I canT feel sure until you^re my wife. 
Marry me soon, wonT you, Peggy ? 

John, I wonder if you^re going to be jealous after 
we^re married ? said Peggy hesitating a little, and look- 
ing at him with a sort of shy coquetry. Because I want 
to warn you now, that I wonT be pleased if you are. 
Pm a Maturin — ^half of me — and better still. Pm a 
Southern gentlewoman. I donT believe in divorce, and 
Pm afraid I look upon marriage awfully seriously. IPs 
a sacrament of the Church, John, and once you^re mar- 
ried to me, youVe got to stay married, so don’t say 
you’re not warned. And another thing — Peggy hesi- 
tated, then went on — you must put all thought of any 
cause for jealousy out of your head. If you don’t trust, 
then you don’t love — ^not with the sort of love I want to 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


271 


be sure my husband feels for me. Why, J ohn, husband 
and wife are one, and no man or woman will hurt them- 
selves. IPs the law of life, isn’t it ? Don’t be vexed and 
think I’m lecturing you beforehand,” she went on with 
a laugh, but I want you to be quite sure of your love 
for me, as I will be of mine for you, for once we’re 
married, John, there must never be a shadow of dis- 
trust between us.” 

^^Amen,” whispered John, Peggy child, may God 
do to me 

‘No — ^you’re my lover now, John,” she interrupted, 
^^and though I will do everything I can to keep your 
love, yet if it falters, it’s a lot kinder for you to tell me 
now than when it’s too late. Oh ! ” cried Peggy, lifting 
her brave gray eyes to his blue ones — it would hurt if 
you stopped loving me now, John, hurt my heart, and 
my pride, and my hope of a happy future ; but if, after 
our lives are joined by God, you should tell me you’d 
stopped caring, or made a mistake in the woman you 
cared for; it would be a death wound, John, and you’d 
have to tell me,” she added with a laugh, because I’ll 
never find out for myself — I couldn’t love and distrust 
the same person, and you must feel the same, or we 
mightn’t be happy, afterward. And I want to be happy, 
I want to make you happy, and honest, I think we will 
be, don’t you ? ” 

I can answer for myself,” replied John with con- 
fidence, ^^and I’ll do everything in a man’s power to 
keep my wife’s love, Peggy darling, my pure, loyal, be- 
loved wife, forgive me for all the things I’ve thought 
and said and done before I knew you. Let me come 
into your life with a clean heart, Peggy — a heart so full 
of love for you that there’s no room for anything else. 
Kiss me of your own accord, for the first time — won’t 
you sweetheart?” 

For answer, Peggy threw her arms lightly around his 
neck and bending his head, kissed him squarely on the 
lips. 


2/2 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Of course I will/^ she assured him — and I only 
hope Miss Lovey Overholme hasn^t got on her far- 
sighted specs, for I^m nearly certain I saw her in that 
one window which rakes this path — and the thought 
makes my back all prickle — doesn’t yours ? ” 

^^No,” laughed John, ^^but I hope and pray she did 
see, then the engagement will be announced at once, and 
I can stop dodging about this place, and lurking around 
that, until I feel an outcast from society. Come, Mrs. 
Beverley, let’s go over back of that honeysuckle tangle — 
I’ve scouted about that corner for more hours than I 
like to spend without you, and it’s about the most re- 
served position on the Estate — Come 

Wait, I’m going to get a rose to match my frock,” 
replied Peggy, ^^this Devoniensis will do, though it 
really isn’t yellow enough — I had my eye on a Marie van 
Houtte, which I noticed in the kitchen garden this morn- 
ing, but I never can pass a Devoniensis — Smell — isn’t 
it delicious? Now I wonder if some masculine fingers 
at present unoccupied, could fasten this flower in the 
hair of the lovely maiden speaking to you ? ” 

Couldn’t they ! ” promised John — here, what do I 
fasten it with — string?” 

Nonsense, take a hairpin. A hairpin is the most 
wonderful implement on earth,” asserted Peggy, ^^and 
if I had to be cast away on a desert island with but one 
tool or weapon, I’d choose a hairpin every time ! ” 

Well, it doesn’t seem equal to much, right here,” said 
John, by no means hurrying over his task. 

I’m so afraid I’ll stick you sweetheart, I can get the 
plaguy hairpin in, but I lose the rose, and when I get 
the rose in place, I can’t persuade the hairpin to be- 
stride it so as to hold it firmly.” 

Allez vous en ! ” cried Peggy, losing patience, 
see — it’s as easy as kiss your hand — and with a deft 
touch she placed the flower behind her little pink ear, 
and clamped it firmly in place with the weapon of her 
choice. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


273 


Men are such geese when it comes to real work with 
hairpins,” she announced, as she gathered a sister rose 
from the bush beside her. You know you have to have 
all sorts of different implements for such things as draw- 
ing corks, buttoning shoes, digging things out, or fasten- 
ing them in different places; you have to have special- 
ties, now we womanites simply denude ourselves of one 
innocent looking hairpin, and lo — out pops the cork — 
up button the shoes — and things go in, and slide into 
place, without turning a hair — while, if the hairpin has 
suffered a bent leg in the scrimmage, it requires next to 
no effort to straighten it out, good as new,” and Peggy, 
who while she talked, had pinned the other rose amongst 
the laces on her bodice, strolled through the lengthening 
shadows toward the house. 

I want to run up and see Amy before supper,” she 
said in answer to John^s objections, I hate to leave her 
alone for any length of time. She has a cheerful, sunny 
nature, but poor child, iPs clung to her under difficulties. 
IPs pitiful, John, isnT it, to see a girl — ^lovable, as Amy 
surely is — and craving love, miss it even from her own 
mother ? ” 

^^Yes, and most unusual,” replied John, ^^but be- 
tween you and me, Peggy darling, I don^t believe the 
gentle Lulu loves anybody on earth except her most un- 
pleasant self. Maybe I oughtnH to say it Sweetheart,” 
he said after a momenPs hesitation, ^^but Amy has 
found love, too. It maynT be right, or best, or for the 
happiness of either, but if ever a fellow went in head- 
long and unsuspecting, it was Charlie. With the sole 
exception of myself, I have never seen such a cropper. 
I knew it, you know, though he never mentioned her 
name to me, of course.” 

^^You\e been friends always, haven^t you?” asked 
Peggy, tell me how he happened to marry Mrs. Wor- 
thington, won^t you? That is,” she added hurriedly, 
if it isnT breaking confidence — forget I asked, if you^d 
rather not answer 


274 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


^^Ifonsense, Lady bird/^ answered John, ^Hhere’s 
nothing on earth I won^t tell yon, if I know it ! In 
Charlie^s case, I have to pnt things together for myself, 
for he has never mentioned his wife to me except in the 
most general terms, or in the pleasantest sort of man- 
ner, as his mascot, and his good angel, yon nnderstand/^ 
Peggy nodded, and John continned, glad to find any 
means of keeping her with him. I fancy Charlie never 
loved anybody nntil he met Amy. At any rate, I never 
heard of any attentions — serions attentions — on his part, 
towards any of the girls with whom he was on friendly 
terms. He was beastly poor, yon know, and conldn^t 
have married anyone who hadn’t money, and I some- 
times think he deliberately made np his mind to marry 
a fortnne instead of trying to make one for himself. I 
don’t know how he met Sne — I never asked him — ^bnt she 
was a mighty different woman then from the tolerably 
grande dame of to-day. She hadn’t been rich very long, 
and thongh she always speaks vagnely of her palatial 
home in the West, I’ve heard she started life in a little 
cross-roads store, miles away from anywhere. However, 
Charlie found that she had millions in her own right, 
and was, happily, without the usual riff-raff of relations, 
so he soon impressed her with his virtues, and she be- 
lieves in them absolutely, to this day. She’s given him 
her entire fortune, and the most devoted love of a very 
affectionate nature, and really. Sweetheart, — I’m not de- 
fending him — but he has made her mighty happy. 
They’ve traveled pretty much ever since they were mar- 
ried, and Charlie has managed to educate and refine 
his wife without her knowledge, and he is always as 
kind and considerate as a model husband — I fancy that, 
in the life she was accustomed to before she met him, — 
the social life, you know — there wasn’t much outward 
and visible sign of an inward and abiding affection be- 
tween married couples, and she has never felt the lack 
of that which a more sensitive and refined woman would 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


275 


desire above everything else. Poor girl — I hope she’ll 
never know the truth about her husband! She hasn’t 
many months to live — anyone can see that 

Oh, I pray God her eyes are never opened ! ” cried 
Peggy softly. I had pieced out the facts pretty much 
as you have told them — and no one can see her eyes when 
she looks at her husband, and doubt her devotion to him. 
Oh, it’s hard, John, isn’t it ? ” And Peggy’s eyes filled 
with tears of sympathy. 

^^Well, I don’t think she’ll ever believe anything 
against him— I hope not. I hope there’ll be no question. 
Oh dear me — there’s the bell. Surely Treason is way 
ahead of time, isn’t he?” 

Thank you, Mrs. Beverley, that’s an indirect com- 
pliment, I acknowledge, but I’m a humble beggar, and 
have a great appetite, even for crumbs,” said John 
laughing, and together they passed through the cool 
shadowy hall, sweet with the perfume of great jars of 
white lilac, into the dining-room, where Mrs. Beverley 
and her friend, minus the duster so displeasing to Peggy, 
awaited them. 


276 


PRETTY PEGGX O 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

Peggy was early a-Church on Sunday morning. 
There was music to be found, and if Dr. Draper desired 
singing during the offertory, there was no one to under- 
take it but herself. 

And I hate to sing with my back to the congrega- 
tion — in fact, I can^t — she confided to John, as they 
strolled through the Churchyard. My voice flattens 
out on the organ, and doesn^t sound like a nice Beverley 
voice, it sounds — er 

^^It sounds beautiful, no matter how, or where, or 
what you sing,^^ asserted John loyally. But can^t you 
sing without an accompaniment, sweetheart? IPs hard 
enough for you to have to play on this great wheezy 
instrument, let alone singing at the same time 

Yes, I suppose Pll have to,^^ said Peggy, but Fll 
get Cissy Draper to sing if I can — only she always does 
it so theatrically, or I suppose I should say operatically? 
But I^m a country mouse, so forgive — And Peggy 
laughed as she ran up the little twisted stairway to the 
organ. 

No, you mustn^t come here — you don^t belong among 
the songsters,^^ she whispered, when she found him be- 
side her, run down with the baa-lambs, Mr. Beverley — 
your ears will pay the penalty if you insist on such 
close quarters with the goats. Uncle Doctor always de- 
clares we look like prisoners shrieking for release in this 
barred-off place up here.^^ And Peggy rolled up her 
gloves, and, with a happy sense of possession, dropped 
them into J ohn’s pocket for safekeeping. 

John took a position from which he might look at 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


277 


Peggy while seeming absorbed in his Prayer Book, and 
was no sooner settled, than he found the next seat oc- 
cupied, and a gay voice in tones much too loud for the 
occasion, cried, Balaam and Nebuchadnezzer ! Fm 
glad to see you out, Mr. Beverley. You\e been badly 
punished for doing hero work, but you^re looking fine as 
a fiddle. Are you quite well again ? Ana Cissy 
Draper, in such starched garments that she rustled like a 
paper angel on a Christmas tree, held out her silk gloved 
hand in greeting. 

John responded in softened platitude, and Cissy, who 
felt quite at home in the Church, and always acted as if 
the hostess of invited guests, rustled over to where Peggy 
was selecting music from the old leather folio which had 
lived through two wars — and which looked like it. 

Morning, Peggibus,^^ she began, for the sake of 
Moses, leFs have some decent music ! What with Amy^s 
illness, and your absence, we\e come to grief on ^ Twin- 
kle, twinkle, little star,^ and kindred efforts, while Miss 
Martineau^s performance on the organ was only a little 
fiercer than old deaf Daddy Jefferson^s struggles to 
sharpen his razor on a brick. Who^s going to volunteer 
for the voluntary ? 

^^You, I hope,^^ replied Peggy smiling. Honest, 
Cissy, iPs you or silence, for I can^t sing with my back 
to the congregation, and it looks affected to scream with- 
out any accompaniment to distract attention. What 
will you sing ? 

If iPs left to me,” replied Cissy promptly, V\l 
choose something expressive. I do hate tunes that just 
rise and fall with the regularity of a see-saw board, and 
donH give a chance for the expression of any real feel- 
ing. And I think thaPs what music is meant for, don^t 
you, Mr. Beverley?” dragging John into the discussion, 
in spite of his efforts to concentrate his attention on 
three small orphans, who, as wards of the Church, were 
always the first people in it. 


278 


PRETTJ PEGGY O 


Something simple would fill the bill I should say/^ 
replied J ohn^ who had not quite grasped Cissy^s question. 

Personally, I like the old-time tunes I used to hear 
when I was a youngster. ISTowadays, there are too many 
soldiers of the cross, and sailors pulling for the shore, to 
please a quiet fellow who looks upon the Church as a 
refuge. CouldnH you give us ^ Eock of Ages ? ^ 

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ! cried Miss Draper, but 
you are an old timer! Eeally, I don^t believe I could 
get through with that. I^d laugh! But say, Peggy, 
ril try Cujus Animam — Stabat Mater, you know, if you 
can tackle that red-hot accompaniment. What do you 
think ? 

‘^ni take care of the accompanimenV^ promised 
Peggy, but it must be eleven o^clock. Everybody's in 
Church — I^m going to strike the lyre. You explain the 
program to the others, won^t you? Thanks — And 
Peggy laid her hands on the keys, and opened the ser- 
vice of the Church with music. 

She played through her usual repertoire, then, seeing 
the pulpit still unoccupied, wandered off into the link- 
ing of fragments of airs and changing chords which is 
generally accepted as improvisation, and so forgot the 
time, and place, and would have played on for hours, 
had she not felt a hand on her shoulder, and looking up 
in surprise, she saw Mrs. Draper beside her. 

Stopping suddenly, after a few abrupt chords, Peggy 
tried to rise, but the agitated lady bore heavily upon her, 
and leaned over to explain. 

Oh, Peggy, I donT know what to do,^^ she began in 
a loud whistling whisper, but DocP Draper canT come 
to Church — and IVe got to explain — and I donT know 
how — And the poor wife of the absent Doctor wrung 
her black-gloved hands in despair. 

^^Why, he isnT ill, I hope?^^ asked Peggy, at a loss 
to understand matters, canT I help you ? 

hTo, nobody can,^^ whimpered Mrs. Draper. And 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


279 


he isn’t sick — ^he may come at any minute — and I’m 
afraid if I ask Doct’ Martineau to dismiss us, Doct’ 
Draper may find them and come — and then everybody 
would be gone — and he might think I had been unwise 
to suggest it. Oh, my dearie, it’s an awfully responsible 
position to be a Clergyman’s wife — I really don’t know 
what to do ! ” 

^^I’ll play a few moments more if you like,” sug- 
gested Peggy, ^^and by that tiipe if he hasn’t come, 
couldn’t Cissy run home and ask him what to do ? But 
very likely you want to go home yourself; doesn’t he 
need you ? ” 

N^o — no, my dearie, I looked high and low before I 
left. He’s very absent minded, but he’s never lost them 
before at such a critical time. You see dearie, he had 
a bad headache last night, so I gave him his coffee early, 
and let him go back to sleep until there was only 
time for him to dress and get to Church — that’s why we 
didn’t find we couldn’t find them until just now. Oh, 
me, me, me ! What shall I do ? ” 

But what has he lost ? Can’t he do without them 
until after Service?” asked Peggy, bewildered by the 
mystery which seemed to lurk beneath Mrs. Draper’s 
words. 

That’s just it, dearie,” moaned the distracted one, 
I can’t tell you, but they’re imperatively necessary, and 
see — everybody’s looking at their watches — and I know 
it must be going on noon. If I don’t find out what I 
ought to do, I believe I’ll lose my mind — and under the 
circumstances, it would be a relief ! ” And Mrs. Draper 
dropped her silly kindly face into her rusty kid gloves 
and wept. 

Cissy — Cissy ! ” And Peggy beckoned Cissy from 
the side of the aspiring clerk who sang tenor, and hoped 
manys things — Cissy, your mother’s in trouble, and 
she says your father can’t come because’ he’s lost some- 
thing valuable. I don’t understand — And Peggy 
looked helplessly from mother to daughter. 


28 o 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


^^Why, whaPs the matter Mudge?’^ cried Cissy, 
whaPs the trouble with his Holiness ? He ought to be 
on his job by this time. There^s nothing really the mat- 
ter, is there ? giving her sobbing parent a slight shake. 

Do speak out, mother — ^we^ll go off our heads with all 
this hinting. Mother!^* 

Oh Cecilia, dearie, your father is in such a state ! 
He^s lost something he can’t do without. He can’t come 
to Church until he finds them, and he can’t find them. 
He couldn’t even read the Service ! I know he’s absent 
minded, but at such a crisis ! ” And Mrs. Draper used 
her handkerchief with a thoroughness which scorned 
secrecy. 

^^Is there anything wrong?” asked John, who had 
hesitated to offer his services, yet who felt that it was 
time for somebody to do something. Dr. Draper isn’t 
ill, I hope ? ” 

Oh no, not now,” gurgled the still weeping half of 
the gentleman in question. No, he had a bad head- 
ache last night, so I let him sleep until nearly Church 
time, and when he came to look for the things he’s lost, 
he found he couldn’t find them, and the more we 
searched, the more nervous we became, so he sent me on 
ahead, and said he’d likely be here in a few minutes, 
but it must be hours/* declared Mrs. Draper solemnly, 
and either the people ought to be benedictioned and 
dismissed, or DocP Draper ought to send word or some- 
thing 

Can’t we hold Service, and search for his missing — 
er — valuable later?” asked John. ^^I’ll go over and 
remain in the room where it was mislaid if you like, 
until he gets through here, just to make sure it isn’t 
found and carried off by any irresponsible person, you 
know. Shall I go over and suggest it to him ? ” 

Oh, no — ^there’s no use — ^he wouldn’t even see you — 
and he’s generally so careful too. Every night of his 
life he puts ’em in a glass of water by his bedside 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


281 


Teeth ! shouted Cissy in a voice which roused the 
wondering congregation. ^^Ebenezer, Mudge! Why 
didn’t you say so ? I know where they are — I saw him 
put them in his hat last night. Pll get them — and 
Cissy dashed down the narrow steps, her starched skirt 
rattling with the vigor of her flight. 

In ten minutes the Service was being intoned with 
glistening dental accompaniment, and when the con- 
gregation had stogily accepted Cissy’s interpretation of 
the Cujus Animam, and, benedictioned ” by Dr. 
Draper, had gained the Churchyard in time to Peggy’s 
recessional, there were many comments and conjectures 
anent the several happenings of the morning, each mem- 
ber deciding according to inclination if not to fact, and 
passing on to the interesting, if ill proportioned figure 
which had entered Church in Mrs. Beverley’s wake, 
shared her pew, and was now strolling home with her — 
showing in his absorbed attention to her conversation, 
an amount of inteiest most flattering to that lady’s 
rapacious vanity. 

^^And I was only talking about the hatefulness of 
Mag Beverley, and the way she’s always asserting herself, 
and claiming that she’s mistress here,” reflected Mrs. 
Beverley, when going over the events of the morning 
during her afternoon siesta. If I didn’t know what I 
know, I might think he was taken with that girl’s flip- 
pant ways, and two-edged tongue. I suppose he was 
just sorry for me, and trying to understand the depth 
of her meanness,” and Mrs. Beverley closed her eyes 
and relaxed, according to the advice of Lady Lilias,” 
who wrote letters of advice on such matters as, How 
to Retain Youth and Beauty although Middle Aged,” in 
the Gentlewoman’s Journal. 

Peggy was almost the last to leave the Church, but 
she found John in patient attendance in the vestibule, 
and they walked slowly home together. 

As they reached the wicket, a great red automobile 


282 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


flashed down the road, and stopped at the Church 
gate. 

Here you ! cried the hard voice of Mrs. van Kamp, 
as that lady stood up and waved her lorgnette to attract 
their attention. Here, you Beverleys — both of you — 
I want to speak to you ! 

Peggy flushed hotly as they turned back in answer to 
the peremptory summons. She did not try to analyze 
her dislike, but every word from Mrs. van Kamp 
sounded to her like a prepared insult, and her whole 
nature rose against any suggestion she might make. So 
it was with a small allowance of her usual graciousness 
that she returned Mrs. van Kamp’s greeting, and pre- 
pared to negative any proposal made to her. But at the 
first words, Peggy was softened into a more amiable 
mood, for she began 

How do, Miss Beverley — I^m so very sorry to hear 
of Amy^s illness. Next to yourself, there are few girls 
Pd miss more than your step-sister. Won^t you come 
for a little drive with me, and tell me about her? 
Yes — turning to John, ^^you may come too. I 
wouldn^t dare take her out of your sight. Jump in, 
J ack, how goes the wooing oT ? 

First-rate,^^ replied John heartily, helping Peggy 
into the machine and following her. I canT persuade 
her to name the day, Mrs. van, but I^m still strug- 
gling — ^talk about the power of hydraulics on a stone ! I 
know a hard-hearted young person who has been per- 
sistently assaulted with one simple question since Christ- 
mas Day in the morning — and who is still begging it ! 

^^WelV^ said Mrs. van Kamp, sigiialing the chaff eur 
to go on. You might just as well give in first as last, 
my dear. IVe known a number of Beverleys in my day, 
but I never knew one who didn’t get his own way — and 
keep it ! ” She laughed, then added — I hadn’t the 
pleasure of your late lamented father’s acquaintance, but 
judging from the chip I see before me, I gather that he 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


283 


also, was something of a tartar — and if I can read char- 
acter — and I flatter myself I can — he needed to be — 
after his second marriage ! 

While Peggy hesitated between a desire to clear her 
father’s memory of all tartaric characteristics, yet ac- 
knowledge the necessity of them in dealings with her 
stepmother, Mrs. van Kamp went on 

^^My dear, you’re a raving beauty — there can be no 
two opinions about that,” raising her lorgnette, and re- 
garding Peggy with the calm impersonality with which 
she would criticise a painting. ^^It’s true, everybody 
doesn’t care for such marked contrasts — ^your black 
lashes and gray eyes make your white face all the 
whiter — and your white face makes your red lips all the 
redder — while your hair ! well, the worst I can say of it 
is that it’s like a sunset! How did you come by that 
black topknot of yours. Jack?” bringing the lorgnette 
to bear upon her other victim. As a rule, the Bever- 
leys go through the world like a torch-light procession, 
but fair or dark, you’ve captured the best looking in the 
crowd — and I congratulate you I ” And Mrs. van Kamp 
leaned forward and shook J ohn’s hand solemnly. 

Women can’t be really congratulated till they die,” 
she said, as if to apologize to Peggy for not continuing 
her felicitations, and speaking of dying, poor Sue 
Worthington hasn’t many months before her, Pm 
afraid. Do you happen to know how she’s left her 
money ? ” 

No,” replied John. She told me once that it 
would be — or is — all Charlie’s, but people change, you 
know. Maybe she’s endowed a cat hospital, there’s noth- 
ing so uncertain as wills.” 

Except the willers 1 ” said Peggy, I speak as one 
having authority, for twice in my life have I rejoiced 
prematurely and without reason; I had an old grand- 
aunt, once, who treasured a diamond necklace so sav- 
agely, that everyone was tremendously interested in its 


284 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


future possessor. She had privately promised it to every 
female relation she had knowledge of, I believe, and 
when she finally shuffled off this mortal coil, having 
achieved some ninety odd years of troubled life, we all 
sat up with our tongues out, each certain of the neck- 
lace. I know I was! I was twelve years old at the 
time, and when I heard what had become of it, I 
wailed!** 

What became of it ? cried Mrs. van Kamp, much 
more interested in the trinket than in Peggy^s loss of it. 

I^m ashamed to tell you,^^ laughed Peggy. When 
the time came, she just couldnH part from it, so she 
left east-iron directions that it should be buried with 
her ! Did you ever know such meanness ? 

^^Was it valuable asked Mrs. van Kamp, whose 
mind at once turned toward grave robbers and kindred 
horrors. 

Not nearly so valuable as she thoughV^ admitted 
Peggy. ^^In fact, except as an heirloom, I shouldn’t 
care for it at all, but her perfidy was the same, in either 
case. Don’t you think she was a hard-hearted heathen ? ” 

When I want to know, I ask,” announced Mrs. van 
Kamp in a manner to arouse dissension in the meekest 
nature, therefore, I hope you won’t object to telling 
me something,” she continued, staring at Peggy, but 
giving no sign of the softened feeling which the girl’s 
likeness to her dead daughter aroused. What is your 
income. Miss Beverley ? ” 

Peggy fiushed scarlet. She was very angry, for she 
regarded the question as a premeditated intention to 
insult her poverty, but she was also determined to give 
her no satisfaction by showing that she resented the 
interference, so she answered with a little laugh — 
You’re very kind, Mrs. van Kamp — my income, as 
you call it, is so tiny that it scarcely deserves such a 
grown-up name. My affairs can’t possibly interest you, 
still, as you’ve asked, I’ll tell you. The list of my pos- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


285 

sessions is a very short one, and comprises only my 
home — Kingsgift — (thafs a rice plantation,) and the 
money we sometimes get from crops, and the interest 
on some money which grandmamma left me when I was 
a baby, and which Daddy invested for me, gives me one 
hundred dollars a month.” 

^^Well — ^go on!” said Mrs. van Elamp as Peggy 
paused. 

^^ThaPs all,” she replied. told you it wasn^t a 
very stupendous amount, but nevertheless,” and Peggy^s 
little head was held a trifle higher, I find I can live 
quite comfortably on it.” 

Do you want me to believe you keep up that tre- 
mendous house and dress three people on one hundred 
dollars a month?” asked Mrs. van Kamp scornfully. 

Get out, child 1 If you could do that, in the way iPs 
done, you ought to be Comptroller of the Exchequer I ” 
But I don^t dress three people — only myself — 
corrected Peggy, and I assure you I haven^t one cent 
beyond what I^ve told you. But I make my own 
clothes — every stitch — with Amy^s help and an occa- 
sional lift from an old seamstress who works for me by 
the day — Amy and I fit each other and design our own 
gowns. It really isn^t costly to have pretty things — if 
you take a little trouble — and I^m fortunate in having 
some very good accessories, which take the edge off my 
rags, I suppose.” 

Peggy was angry; angry with Mrs. van Kamp for 
asking, and with herself for going into detailed explan- 
ation, but she sat in placid dignity by her side, while 
Mrs. van Kamp turned an inquiring lorgnette, and 
looked critically at her costume. 

^^Do you say you made the gown you^re wearing?” 
she asked. If I were not sure of you, Fd say it had 
been very recently in the hands of Paquin — it looks that 
way — and it also looks as if it would have been a bar- 
gain at about two hundred — and she raised enquiring 


286 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


eyebrows — then returned to her examination of both 
the gown and the hat which Peggy held in her lap. 

John watched her^ understanding the dislike she in- 
stinctively felt for the woman by her side — and knowing 
her objection to personalities — wondered if she would 
lose her poise, and if his love and admiration could have 
permitted addition, it would have been when Peggy an- 
swered quietly : 

You forget, Mrs. van Kamp, that I have already 
told you I am my own dressmaker. YouYe very good 
to like my work, but you must understand that when I 
say the work is mine, I speak the truth. You haven’t 
any right to pry into my wardrobe. I know I’m poor, 
but I like pretty things, and I’ve quick fingers when I 
want to cut and copy. Fortunately for me, an old 
cousin of my mother’s used sometimes to send me 
French fashion papers, and I got the address, and for 
years I’ve subscribed to several very good ones — and 
they’ve helped, you know 

Hah ! ” ejaculated Mrs. van Kamp. And is 
this a copy — or an original production — flicking 
Peggy’s sleeve with her fingers. 

The production is original, if you mean did I make 
it ? Yes, I told you so before. But the design is copied, 
stitch for stitch. You seem fond of detail, Mrs. van 
Kamp, so to save you the trouble of inquiry, let me tell 
3^ou that the material was twenty-seven inches wide, and 
cost thirty-three cents a yard. The embroidery I did 
myself — the lace was my grandmother’s; this old chip 
hat has stood by me nobly for three summers, but it 
was badly sunburned, so I painted it, and dyed the 
white feather — which was soiled — to match. The ribbon 
is new, it costs thirty-seven cents a yard, and I forget 
whether I used four or five yards — call it four and a half 
for luck ; being organist, I seldom wear gloves to 
Church, which accounts for my bare hands. Now if 
I’ve quite satisfied your interest in my wardrobe, will 


PRETTY PEGGY O 287 

you tell the Chauffeur to drive back, please? I have a 
guest, and mustnT be late for dinner/^ 

Instead of answering, Mrs. van Kamp leaned back 
and laughed until her breath failed — while Peggy, al- 
ready angry, became furious — ^When she could control 
her voice, Mrs. van Kamp called out : We’ll go back, 
Perkins, when you get to the next place in the road 
wide enough to turn around ! ” then lifting her veil in 
order to wipe the tears of amusement from her eyes, she 
said: You proud, uppish little piece, you! You 

don’t know what you’ve done for yourself this day. If 
you’d been nice and pleasant, now, I might have offered 
to help you with your trousseau, or have given you a 
season at Newport before you settle down to the hum- 
drum life of a married woman. What makes you so 
rabid ? ” and Mrs. van Kamp smiled with delighted ap- 
preciation of the girl’s effort at self-control. 

You mean to be very kind, perhaps,” replied Peggy 
slowly, I hope you do, for I would be very sorry for 
anyone who could delight in hurting people, and I 
don’t understand the pleasure to be found in baiting 
someone who, whether from dependence or breeding, 
isn’t able to answer in the same vein. But don’t mis- 
understand me, please. If you mean your hints to be 
taken seriously, I can only tell you that you’ve mistaken 
your pauper — I’m not accustomed to Charity — and while 
I’m grateful for any kindly thought that may be mixed 
up with your words, you must believe me when I tell 
you I’d rather be Peggy Beverley in Oglethorpe than 
Mrs. van Kamp’s Proggy-toad in Heaven ! ” And 
giving no time for reply, Peggy turned to John, and 
was so determined in her attention to him, that the 
big red car had come to a stop at the gate before Mrs. 
van Kamp could find a remark worthy of the occasion, 
or an opening wherein to squeeze herself into the con- 
versation. 

Run honey chile ! ” cried Maum’ Chloe, as John and 


288 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


P^ggy came through the kitchen garden on their way 
to the house. Miss Lou jes^ chargin^ round like one o^ 
dese here same buzzle-doodles. Wha^ kep^ yo^ so long 
Missy ? And the old darkey beamed on her nursling 
with eyes which could never find a flaw in this, the best 
loved of all the babies she had mothered. 

^^We went to drive, and oh, but we\e had a good 
time ! answered Peggy. The kind of a good time 
that a mouse has, Maumer, when a caPs playing with it. 
Is it really late ? 

It sho^ is,^^ replied Chloe. IPs mos’ a hour sence 
de rice been set back fo^ steam. YoM better run in 
honey bunch, ^case dat little bandy-laigged man wha^ 
Miss Lou lookin^ after got he eye out fo^ bittle, he sho^ 
is ; an^ I gwine dish up right now. Here, you Treason ! 
Ain^t yo^ nebber gwine bring out dem dishes ? 

1^11 just run up and see Amy,” said Peggy quickly. 

Oh, John, don^t you hate me for being so hateful to 
that hateful woman? But you were hateful too. Why 
didn’t you help me ? But no ! You sat there with no 
more expression on your face than a croquet ball, and 
left me to languish in the talons of that objectionable 
hobble-skirted Yankee woman! I thought you wanted 
to share my sorrows ? John — ^you’re a base deceiver.” 

Languish I She says she languished I ” murmured 
John with his eyes on the ceiling. ^^Well, Mrs. Bev- 
erley, if thaPs the way you languish. Heaven preserve 
me from an altercation with you when you consider 
yourself in battle array. To tell you the truth, sweet- 
heart,” he confessed, I was so proud of the way you 
stood up for yourself, and knocked the old lady on her 
tenderest comers, that I wouldn’t queer matters by dis- 
tracting her attention. Do you know — Pretty Peggy 
0 

And that’s a rhyme, if you take it in time ! ” inter- 
rupted Peggy. Go on.” 

I’m going — as I was saying when you rudely broke 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


289 

in and scattered my train of thought/^ said John. Do 
you know, I believe in her heart that old woman likes 
you, Peggy — As a rule people make it mighty easy for 
her to pick them up — she^s so tremendously rich, and 
she has the entree into the smartest set wherever she 
goes — so girls absorb snubs as sponges absorb water — 
willing to stand pretty much everything, for the benefits 
she provides. And doesnT she scorn ^em and fiick ^em 
on the raw ? Yah ! It makes me sick.^^ 

Oh, donT look like that ! 1^11 wager you used to 

take medicine with just that expression when you were 
a little boy ! Here — be good — let^s slip in before the 
bell rings — un, un — there it goes now. Too late ! We 
are to be victimized by BreP Digby now, I suppose. 
Talk about your martyrs! Look — is my hair straight 
enough ? 

IPs never straight, is it ? I thought those lovely 
little ringlets — is that what you call them ? were 
natural 1 replied John maliciously. Yes, sweetheart 
— you^re the rightest kind of all right — come along and 
turn old Dig^s head 

If you painted a feature or two on the back of it, 
you couldnT tell which way he went, could you ? whis- 
pered Peggy. HeM be a sort of civilized Scoodler, 
wouldnT he ? LePs go and see that he has some soup.^^ 
Mrs. Beverley and her friend were already in the 
dining-room when they entered, and Peggy saw with 
dismay that her stepmother was fiying danger signals 
of the most exciting type, and her heart sank at the 
prospect of another battle. 

Poor little me,^^ she thought, as she left expla- 
nations and apologies to J ohn, Pm a peace loving 
creature — I simply loathe fights — ^yet I seem to be the 
storm center of every ill-natured somebody within 
screaming distance.” 

I must thank you for the exquisite music in Church 
this morning,” bleated Mr. Forsythe, smiling, in happy 


290 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


consciousness of well-selected mouth gear, are you al- 
ways so lavish with your gift of sweet sounds 

No/^ laughed Peggy, and at one time I feared Vd 
be the whole show. Did you hear the reason for the 
belated Service ’Te Lulu? It seems Dr. Draper mis- 
laid his teeth, and until they were in place, you know, 
he couldn^t face the congregation. We had a most ex- 
citing time in trying to pry the truth from poor Mrs. 
Doctor, who wept quarts over the accident.’^ 

I don’t see why the worthy gentleman couldn’t have 
opened an umbrella, and spoken from beneath its 
shadow,” vouchsafed John. 

Or worn a veil, like the prophet of Ko-something- 
or-other,” chimed in Peggy. But they were all too 
much agitated as to the whereabouts of the missing 
articles to think of substitutes. Wasn’t Mrs. Draper 
mysterious, poor woman ! ” And Peggy’s laugh rang out 
so merrily that both men joined in. 

Mag Beverley,” cried her stepmother, I’m ashamed 
to hear you speak of a minister of God in that reckless 
way. I don’t know what Mr. Forsythe can think, but ” 
— turning to the gentleman in question — I had little 
hand in this girl’s bringing up, and you must blame her 
poor father — not me — for her shameless expressions 
about Holy things,” and Mrs. Beverley bridled and 
looked to Mr. Forsythe for compliments. 

Ho matter whose hand led Miss Beverley up to 
glorious womanhood,” gallantly asserted Mr. Forsythe, 
^Hhe result could not be improved upon. Hot even 
you, I think. Miss Lulu, could have been more success- 
ful,” and Mrs. Beverley’s friend cast a look upon Mrs. 
Beverley’s step-daughter, which fairly dripped admira- 
tion, and which, being observed and classified, raised 
that lady’s already simmering temper to boiling point. 

Peggy hurried to turn the conversation, hoping to 
avert disagreeabilities for the moment, so, selecting Mrs. 
van Kamp as a possible lightning rod, she remarked, 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


291 


^^didn^t you think Mrs. van Kamp looked very badly 
this morning, Mr. Beverley ? She^s pounds thinner than 
when she first came to Paradise. I wonder she stays 
South so late. Where is her real home anyhow 

Oh, she has houses to burn,^^ replied John. One 
overlooks Central Park, on the East side — and one over- 
looks the Atlantic ocean, from hTewport — then she has 
a place at Tuxedo, and a ranch in California. She may 
have a few more, but I donT know — she never stays 
anywhere long enough, to really identify herself with the 
locality. She^s the most restless — and really, I believe 
she^s the most unhappy woman I know.” 

Is she the Mrs. van Kamp I met at St. Augustine 
a few weeks since, I wonder?” asked Mr. Forsythe, 
placing his knife and fork in position and leaning back 
in dumb announcement, that he too, had finished, and 
was ready for Treason's manipulations before the ap- 
pearance of desert. Is she a rather harsh-voiced 
woman who stares at everybody through a great gold 
eye-glass ? ” 

That description fits her so far as it goes,” assented 
John. 

She^s a most ill-bred, rude, and purse proud woman,” 
burst out Mrs. Beverley, and she says things to your 
very face which most people would hesitate to say be- 
hind your back. She^s so vulgar and objectionable 
when in company, that I fail to imagine what she must 
be in the privacy of home life — if she’s got any ! ” 
And Mrs. Beverley’s hard, red cheeks grew purple, and 
her eyes blazed with the ill temper she found so difficult 
to control. 

I believe she’s a generous woman, though,” said Mr. 
Forsythe. You know,” turning to Mrs. Beverley with 
an ingratiating smile, I am at present traveling in the 
interest of the new Baptist Church we are erecting in 
East Pinckneyville, and hearing that this Mrs. van 
Kamp was wealthy, I ventured to approach her about 


292 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


the matter — with her check for one hundred dollars as 
a result — and Mr. Forsythe beamed at the company 
over his second slice of lemon meringue. 

You know, I met Dr. McLane the same way — ” he 
resumed, turning to Mrs. Beverley, and it was through 
him that I learned you had lately sold a large tract of 
riceland. With an eye to both business and pleasure, 
he continued, with a little bow in her direction, I 
asked him to give me your address and came down to 
suggest to you a really very much needed charity. My 
dear Madam, our little Church is almost ready for oc- 
cupancy, but both money and credit are exhausted; so 
I have come to you with the hope that from your abun- 
dance you will allow me enough for the pews and wood- 
work. They can be put in for a comparatively small 
sum. I think three hundred dollars would pay for the 
plainest variety — and there is no doubt about either 
the need or the merit of the charity 

A dead silence followed his words, and neither John 
nor Peggy dared to look at Mrs. Beverley, realizing the 
blow to her vanity contained in Mr. Forsythe^s an- 
nouncement of the reason for his visit — then Peggy said 
gently, I think it^s awfully good of you, Mr. Forsythe, 
to take all the trouble and fatigue of a journey for the 
Church. You must be a very highly valued member, 
aren^t you? 

^^Alas no, my dear young lady,^^ he replied with a 
gusty sigh. ^^You see, my own^ finances do not allow 
the liberality which my heart dictates, so I offer my 
services instead of my purse. A man who is blessed 
with a family as large as mine, must learn the virtue of 
economy, I regret to say,^^ and he sighed again, and won- 
dered if he dared attempt the third quarter of the 
meringue pie, which was much to his taste, but beyond 
his capacity at the moment. 

^^What is your estimate of a large family asked 
John, assuming curiosity in order to keep the ball of 


PRETTY PEGGY O 293 

conversation in motion. In such a position I should 
suppose the 

Oh, the standpoint is never the same with any two 
people, interrupted the proud head of the family in 
question, ^^and I have no hesitation in acknowledging 
that my eleven vigorous offspring might seem a large 
number to most people, but to me it is the correct 
figure/^ 

Of course it is,” cried Peggy, her heart warming 
to the absurd looking little man for the first time since 
his arrival. Do tell me about them, won^t you ? ” 

I fear that is a subject on which I am all too ready 
to converse,” he replied, fixing admiring, if bulging eyes, 
upon his hostess. They and my dear wife and help- 
meet are everything to me, and I never know when to 
stop when speaking of their virtues.” 

Shall we adjourn to the piazza ? ” broke in Mrs. 
Beverley, speaking for the first time since she had 
learned that the visit she had looked upon as next door 
to a declaration of affection and proposal of marriage, 
was of entirely mercenary import. 

ril run up and see Amy,” said Peggy as they left 
the room. I feel as if I had been away from her for 
a month,” and she slipped off to give the invalid a de- 
scription of the morning^s adventures. 


294 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


gHAPTER XXV. 

The next day Mr. Forsythe caught the afternoon 
train at Eiceland Junction, his pocket warmed by John^s 
check, and his brain puzzled by the change of manner 
observable since yesterday, in his old friend. 

Mrs. Beverley had not alluded to the object of his 
visit, and he had never again mentioned it; but in spite 
of the repellant attitude of that lady, he enjoyed the last 
evening of his stay, spending it in the comforting arms 
of a hammock on the side piazza, where, after a gen- 
erous supper, he smoked John^s cigars, and listened to 
Pegg/s singing with a conscience at perfect peace; not 
douMing the headache which was Mrs. Beverley^s excuse 
for early retirement, and happy in the knowledge that 
the pews and woodwork of the new Church were assured. 

It was with cold courtesy that Mrs. Beverley had 
bidden him God Speed as he climbed into the ricketty 
buggy in which most travellers left Oglethorpe, and 
once out of sight he was also soon out of mind of every- 
one except herself. 

Mrs. Beverley chose to feel aggrieved. She had been 
so confident that her charms alone had drawn him to 
seek and find her, and her recollection of the time when 
they had travelled together under his mothePs chap- 
eronage pointed to such easy, if not affluent circum- 
stances, that her imagination was not strained by the 
belief — which followed desire — ^that both fortune, and 
devoted, if suppressed affection, would be laid at her 
feet before he left. 

And that the announcement of his sordid need of 
money should have been made in Peggy^s hearing, gave 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


295 


the finishing touch to a temper already frayed to break- 
ing. If the man had spoken to her alone, she thought 
angrily, she might have, by innuendo, and by silence 
where speech was superfluous, persuaded those around 
her to believe she had been kind but firm in her deter- 
mined widowhood. 

^^What a least/' she thought savagely, ^^to actually 
brag of his swarming family, when she had given every- 
one to understand that he had lived alone with her mem- 
ory ! ” and Mrs. Beverley ground her small, white teeth 
as she turned back into the house. 

Stopping in the hall to receive the mail from Treason, 
she went up to her room, not trusting herself to talk 
over the departed guest, and knowing she could not 
evade the subject in her presnt humor. So, as it was 
rather before her usual time for following the instruc- 
tions so minutely described by Lady Lilias, she assumed 
a negligee allowable only in solitude, and taking a po- 
sition on the couch where the light would fall over her 
left shoulder as advised by the same titled writer, pre- 
pared to enjoy the newspaper of the day before. 

From the first, Mrs. Beverley had left the nursing of 
her daughter to Peggy, who, helped by Maum^ Chloe and 
Spoils, had devoted mind and body to the task, and with 
infinite gentleness and patience, lured the sick girl back 
to life. 

Dr. Martineau had proved a tower of strength. Many 
were the nights spent at Amy^s bedside, when he and 
Peggy stood shoulder to shoulder, and fought for the 
girFs life with all that love and skill could suggest. 
Peggy refused to resign her place to a trained nurse, 
fearing to disclose the cause of trouble, and as Amy 
came slowly back to health the two girls were drawn 
together, and became friends for the first time in their 
lives. 

After Worthington’s visit, Amy never alluded to her 
reason for seeking the river on that sunny March morn- 


296 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


ing, and Peggy did not know whether she had any recol- 
lection of that which she had confessed in delirium; so 
they talked of many things, and a few people, but the 
master of Paradise, and the events immediately pre- 
ceeding Amy^s illness, were never mentioned by either. 

On the day of Mr. Forsythe^s departure, Amy was 
allowed for the first time to occupy the old green silk 
chair by the sunny window where she could overlook the 
garden, and see the hyacinths and jonquils crowding 
violets and pansies, and where sweet olea and crepe 
myrtle threw their light shadows across great clumps of 
blossoming fleur de lys. 

Peggy sat on a low chair by her side working slowly 
on a bit of embroidery but with mind so far away, that 
the needle often hung in the stitch, while her thoughts 
wandered at will among the happenings of the past six 
months. 

This is the first of April, isn’t it? ” asked Amy, her 
eyes resting on the flowering garden 

^^Uh, uh, April Fool’s day,” replied Peggy. 
wonder why you often read of it as All Fool’s day ? All 
the fools aren’t in evidence to-day, by a long shot. Me 
void ! Fm in the house ! ” 

Amy smiled. You’re God’s fool, I reckon, Peggy,” 
she said. I never knew what that meant, either, but 
I quote it with the happy realization that Fm apt to be 
as wise as my neighbors. Come in, mamma. Good 
morning. Peggy and I were wondering as to the mean- 
ing of All Fool’s day, and how it started, — do you 
know ? ” 

Mrs. Beverley paused on the threshold — then ad- 
vanced with the majesty and gloom of a thunder cloud. 

I understand you perfectly, Amy,” she said coldly. 

You need not try to hide behind generalities. Your 
meaning is plain enough even for my dull wit, and 
though I try to remember you are predjudiced against 
me lately by a hypocrite who is always posing as a mis- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


297 


understood angel, still, I think a person in your position 
should be careful how she looked down on others ! and 
Mrs. Beverley^s head tossed with a sort of savage play- 
fulness, while she eyed Peggy with the baleful look gen- 
erally attributed to the basilisk. 

I donT know what you mean, mamma, faltered 
Amy, tears of nervous weakness filling her eyes, I 
certainly did not intend to be rude, or — or — any- 
thing 

Very well, then, I suppose I must take your word, 
though you will find few people who will take you, or 
your word either, after the way youVe dragged both in 
the dirt. I’m too utterly overwhelmed to speak of it! 
And while you had few enough chances to make a good 
marriage — living here in this stagnant hole — ^you’ll have 
none at all now, and I’ll have you on my hands all the 
days of my life! God in Heaven — give me patience! 
I am the most put-upon woman who ever lived ! ” 

I don’t see how you can say that, ’Te Lulu,” said 
Peggy, sympathy for Amy overcoming her prudent re- 
solve never again to have an altercation with Mrs. Bev- 
erley. I should think you would sympathize with the 
poor child, instead of turning on her, and as 

Mag Beverley ! hold your lying tongue,” inter- 
rupted Mrs. Beverley, who had been bent on battle from 
the moment she had burst into the quiet peacefulness 
of the sick room. You have done everything in your 
power to ruin me and my reputation ever since you 
could talk, and now I’m tired of it. I’ve heard how you 
cheated me out of my half of Kingsgift, and how you 
turned around and sold the whole plantation for ten 
times what you gave me. Here — read that ! ” and she 
tossed a small newspaper clipping to Peggy, who picked 
it up, and turning to Amy read aloud — The plantation 
Kingsgift passed yesterday from the hands of the family 
in whose possession it has been since the original settle- 
ment of the country, to that of Mr. Felix McLane, of 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


298 

New York city. Mr. McLane has not yet determined 
whether to continue the cultivation of rice, or to allow 
the fields to revert to original marsh, and to convert 
that, and the high lands lying back of the river, into a 
game preserve. In either case, he will restore the Man- 
sion, and proposes spending a part of each winter there. 
We understand the price paid is twenty thousand dollars, 
and congratulate the owners upon the sale.^^ 

^^What!” gasped Peggy, didn’t know a thing 
about it! Uncle Doctor asked me to give him a free 
hand — and I did — but this is the first thing Pve heard 
about it, and I don’t believe it’s true — it’s just a news- 
paper taradiddle — it can't be true — it’s too much luck ! ” 
and Peggy turned bewildered eyes on Mrs. Beverley, 
who received the look with a smile of absolute disbelief. 

Oh yes, of course I knew you’d deny it,” she sneered. 
Such perfidy as that would be too much for even you 
to acknowledge, but all the same, I know you knew it. 
I know you undermined me here with the McLanes, and 
did all your perverted nature could think of, to turn Dr. 
McLane’s admiration for me into nothing. You’ve 
stood between me and everything I have a right to — 
you teach my daughter to defy me — ^you uphold her in 
her life of shame — ^you drag the name of Beverley to 
the earth 

’Te Lulu ! are you speaking to me ? Do you mean 
to say I did all these things?” cried Peggy, Please 
control yourself — honestly, I never 

Control myself," screamed the infuriated woman, 
yes, and I’ll control you. I’ll see if there’s no law in 
the land to punish people who get money as you’ve got 
it, after depreciating my share, and making me sell for 
next to nothing. But no law on earth can make me 
stand for Amy’s infamy, and it shall do this much — I’ve 
just written to that devil Worthington, and demanded 
either a lump sum, or an annuity to be paid to Amy 
through me 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


299 


Mamma — mamma ! you didn’t ! ” wailed Amy. Oh, 
mamma — don’t rob me of the little pride I’ve got left 
— tell me you’re joking — mamma, if you ever had a 
spark of love in your heart for me, tell me you never 

wrote that letter! I — I don’t think I could live 

That’s something you ought to have thought about 

before,” said her mother, a girl in your position ” 

A girl in Amy’s position,” repeated Peggy, stepping 
nearer to Amy as if to protect her, A girl in Amy’s 
position seldom finds a man like Beverley Beverley who, 
to keep the name she has tarnished clean in the sight of 
the world, takes her as his wife, and screens her child 
with at least the name of father. Amy,” she went on, 
her face white with determination, I’m going to tell 

you something you ought to know 

It’s a lie 1 ” screamed Mrs. Beverley. A nasty 

scheming lie! You’ve no proof 

Amy,” went on Peggy quietly, I have in my pos- 
session two papers — one written by my father — telling 
me that he married ’Te Lulu a few months before your 
birth — in order to keep the old name clean — and one by 
someone else — signed and sworn to before a notary — 
telling the same story, and giving names, and places, 
and dates, and telling how my father gave your mother 
the shield of his name because she was in such bitter 
need, and because your father would have nothing more 
to do with her. Under the circumstances, you ought to 

know all this, so that when she talks scornfully 

It’s a lie from Hell ! ” snarled Mrs. Beverley be- 
tween clenched teeth ; but if it were true, is there no 
difference between a woman who falls before the devoted 
expressions of a deathless love, and a woman who goes 
wrong, like any street hussy, with Tom, Dick, or Harry 

— married man or single 

’Te Lulu,” interrupted Peggy, speaking quietly, but 
with decision, ^^that is enough. I won’t have another 
such word spoken in my house. How this is final. Amy 


300 


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dear, your home is with me — ^you and I will go on to- 
gether as sisters should — but ’Te Lulu, I must ask that 
you pack your trunks — to-day, please, and Stratagem 
will drive you up to take the nine forty-five to-morrow 
morning. Take what belongs to you, but nothing more, 
please — ^yes — I dare say you made a mistake, but don’t 
make any more, I beg you, for I value such things as 
heirlooms — And Amy — I’ll go at once, and explain 

matters to Mr. Worthington ” 

^^Mag Beverley — you’re a devil from Hell!” gasped 
Mrs. Beverley, whose rage had held her speechless until 
Peggy threatened to come between her and the income 
she had just realized could be obtained from Worthing- 
ton’s fear and sympathy. I’ll never go from this 
house until I choose — you can’t make me — ^here — ^you’d 
better come back — where are you going? Come here 1 ” 
but Peggy had left the room, and Mrs. Beverley followed 
her into the hall and listened in vain to hear what she 
was doing; then, as nothing occurred, she returned to 
Amy’s room, rejoicing in the defeat and fiight of her 
opponent, and more than ever determined upon having 
her own way, and upon having it where she choose. 

You needn’t think she has gone after your married 
lover,” she cried roughly, as she returned to her daugh- 
ter’s side, ^^and there’s no use crying, Amy,” giving 
the heaving shoulders a little shake. ^^For the love of 
mercy, stop howling ! I think there never was a 
woman so tormented by screeching Jezebels and lying 
Hell-cats as I. But you see what your friend, the high 
and mighty lady of the manor, is worth — ^her story was 
too foolish for even her evil mind to keep to — and you’ll 
find that won’t be mentioned again. And as for 

May I come in, Amy ? ” asked Peggy’s voice at the 
door — and in response to an inarticulate call, she en- 
tered, with Dr. Martineau beside her. 

I heard Uncle Doctor’s wheels and went down to 
ask if he wouldn’t come up and help us, Amy,” said 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


301 


Peggy evenly, entirely ignoring Mrs. Beverley, who 
stood her ground though the hard red cheeks turned 
from sickly scarlet to purple, and her breath came in 
gasps as she tried to master the rage that shook her. 

What is it little girl — Kingsgift — ^you say ? asked 
Dr. Martineau, as he laid a few sprays of lily of the 
valley on Amy^s lap, and turned to place a chair for 
Mrs. Beverley. 

Oh, Uncle Doctor ! Pve seen pictures of them, but 
never the real flowers — they’re lilies of the valley, aren’t 
they?” cried Peggy bending over them. ^^Did you 
ever see them, Amy?” 

Amy shook her head, her voice being still too full of 
tears to speak — but the look she gave him more than 
compensated the old man for the rifling of his tiny con- 
servatory. 

That’s what they are,” he said heartily, and 
though I’ve tried for twenty years, I’ve never had them 
bloom for me till now — and how do you think I worked 
it ? ” He laughed appreciatively as he went on. Why 
I fooled ’em ! I read somewhere that they just wouldn’t 
bloom unless they had spent the winter in the frozen 
state they find comfortable — so, what did I do but tuck 
the bulbs where the ice belongs in the ice box — and 
though they were thrown out about four times a week, 
I always rescued them, and after I thought they’d had 
discipline enough I planted ’em, and they grew — as 
you see. It’s odd how the difficulties in the way of get- 
ting a thing help you to appreciate it, eh?” and the 
genial doctor beamed upon his audience. 

Uncle Doctor,” said Peggy, handing him the clip- 
ping, has this any truth in it ? ” 

Dr. Martineau adjusted his glasses, and read the 
paragraph through before he answered. 

Yes, quite a lot, but 

What did I tell you ? ” cried Mrs. Beverley angrily, 
I knew from the first that I’d been cheated, and that 


302 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


you lied when you said you knew nothing about it — oh 
yes, Dr. Martineau, she did say that — so you needn’t 
glare at me over your spectacles as if I were the one who 
should hide my head in shame.” 

I really cannot see, Madam, why anyone else should 
do so,” replied the old man. Please explain yourself.” 

It is I who call for explanations,” cried Mrs. Bev- 
erley, her anger rising in spite of the fear with which 
Dr. Martineau always inspired her. I want to know 
what right you have to make me take a mere pittance 
for my half of Kingsgift, when you knew you could 
sell it for big money, eh? Is that your boasted chiv- 
alry? Is that the way you treat the widow and the 
fatherless?” and Mrs. Beverley rolled up her angry 
little eyes until only the whites could be seen, and 
winked violently in order to keep them there. 

Dr. Martineau scraped his chin with his forefinger, 
and hesitated before replying. 

^^To tell ypu the truth,” he said, ^^ I don’t know just 
how to word it. You see, it was this way. McLane 
came to me about it before Christmas and told me he’d 
like to buy the plantation for a big sum, providing I 
could arrange to have all the money go to Peggy. I’m 
sorry to say this so bluntly, Mrs. Beverley, but I don’t 
see how I’m to get around it otherwise. The fact is, he 
had taken a most unreasonable dislike to you, and re- 
fused to have anything to do with it, if anyone except 
Peggy were the beneficiary. It was because of this that 
I placed the matter in Perris’s hands, and told him to 
buy your side of the plantation for whatever price you 
would take. I didn’t limit him — ^but when he had se- 
cured that, he offered the whole place to McLane who 
fixed his own price. It was Ritter who really bought 
it — not Felix — I don’t think Felix had anything to do 
with the matter — but they all felt under heavy obli- 
gations, and took this way of getting square. And I 
can tell you young lady — turning to Peggy who was 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


303 


looking at him gravely, they never meant you to know 
who bought it — they hoped Vd intimate that it was a 
syndicate, so you see it^s from downright friendliness — 
not trying to pay debts — and I think it would be best for 
you to go on as if you swallowed the syndicate and their 
money in one, and never refer to it before any of them. 
If anybody should ask me,^^ the old man continued, Vd 
say you’d made a very pretty come out of it, and that 
youM better absorb the money and the friendly af- 
fection it stands for and say nothing at all about it/’ 
and the smile with which he regarded his hearers was 
both childlike and bland. 

And is that what you call justice ? demanded Mrs. 
Beverley, her voice trembling with rage and bruised 
pride. Pd like you to know ” 

Wait ^Te Lulu,^^ said Peggy gently, laying her hand 
on Mrs. Beverley’s arm, from which it was promptly 
jerked, I think I am the one to speak here, and first I 
want to say* that Pm thankful beyond measure to you, 
IJncle Doctor for all your good offices, and to Dr. Mc- 
Lane too, whose kindness of heart I can never forget — 
but at the same time, I don’t think it’s fair to ’Te Lulu. 
Of course, I know it’s legally correct — it’s business, I 
suppose, but I don’t feel easy about it — therefore I wish 
to make a suggestion. ’Te Lulu — turning to where 
her stepmother was glaring at her with such fierce 
hatred, that she winced at the look — ^^’Te Lulu, I will 
give you five thousand dollars out of this twenty thou- 
sand, if you will leave my house, and promise never to 
trouble Amy or me again, and also, you must promise 
never to have any dealings at all with Mr. Worthington 
about Amy, or anything — will you ? ” 

No ! ” snapped Mrs. Beverley, I’ll have half or 
none. You can’t frighten me into giving up my rights. 
Half is mine — and you know it — or you’d never offer me 
a quarter.” 

You have absolutely no right to any of it,” said 


304 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 

Dr. Martineau angrily, and I^m mighty glad youVe 
refused Peggy^s quixotic offer. Of all the foolishness, 
child ! Well, iPs a good thing the matter is settled, and 
we can pass on to the other thing that was troubling 
you — what was it?^^ 

And the kindly old man, who hated to hurt even the 
person he most detested, rumpled his hair with both 
hands, and stamped up and down the floor like a caged 
bear. 

You^re very much mistaken if you think this mat- 
ter of the sale of Kingsgift settled,” said Mrs. Bev- 
erley, tossing her head. While I refused the offer 
made me, I did not say I would not take anything/' 
^^Well, it doesn’t matter. Peggy offered you a cer- 
tain sum — ^you refused — therefore, the thing’s over— out 
and gone like Granger’s eye! There’s no use of your 
talking law. You sold your land, and got the money 
for it. The person who bought it, resold, and the pur- 
chase money is now in the bank. The papers are all 
made out and correctly signed, and you’ve no more 
chance of upsetting the bargain, than you have in turn- 
ing back the tide when it starts inshore. So, my dear 
lady, learn submission, and let’s remember the ques- 
tion is settled. Whew! I don’t often indulge in such 
long windedness. I think I’d better mind my business, 
and ask after my patient here. What’s the matter, this 
glorious afternoon, eh, little woman?” And he took 
Amy’s hand gently in his. 

Oh I don’t know — I’m weak I suppose — don’t mind 
me — And the tears again started to Amy’s eyes. 

There’s just one thing more I wish to say,” said 
Peggy, who was anxious to get matters settled before 
Dr. Martineau left. I want ’Te Lulu to understand 
that I am in earnest when I say she will find it con- 
venient to take the nine forty-five train to-morrow 
morning, and that I will see to it that a check for five 
thousand dollars — the money’s in bank you say ? ” turn- 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


305 


ing to Dr. Martineau, who nodded acquiescence. Pll 
see to it that you get your check for five thousand. Now 
I beg you^ll go quietly, ^Te Lulu — but not going to 

have Amy harried — and after what you said to-day — 
and after what I said to you — I donT think we^d be 
happy together/^ 

Peggy looked anxiously at Mrs. Beverley as she fin- 
ished, but that lady, not deigning an answer, stared at 
each in turn, then, with head erect, and shoulders 
squared, swept from the room. 

Oh Peg — is it really true that I^m fatherless ? I 
know that I^m worse than motherless, but Peg — aren^t 
we any kin at all? Haven^t I got anybody?'* and Amy 
laid her head on her arm and sobbed. 

DonH you worry Chickadee, you and I are sisters — 
no matter who says what. But, Amy darling, I^m going 
over to Paradise to counter that letter of ^Te Lulu^s — 
don^t you want me to ? 

Oh yes — for mercy^s sake yes — Pd forgotten for a 
moment. Do, Peg, run — run ! " 

Dockelly,” said Peggy, I won’t be half an hour. 
Will you sit by Amy for a while ? I don’t want ’Te Lulu 
to come in and take it out on her now that she’s weak 
and not able to stand up for herself. Can you spare the 
time?” 

I came here on purpose to ask this young woman 
to take a short drive with me — do you feel up to it, 
Amy?” asked the doctor, holding out his hand as he 
stood before her. Here — let me see how you can 
walk — Then, as she rose and walked across the 
room on his arm — famous,” he cried, why you step 
out like a grenadier ! Get her a cloak, Peggy. No, my 
dear. Pm going to carry you down, but you may walk 
to the buggy. What’s that? Toboggan? No, siree! 
I don’t care if you two scamps did batter up a SheflBeld 
tray in that manner, you shan’t repeat the performance. 
Tobogganed, eh? Darn Devil!” And the old man 
chuckled as if he had shared in the sport. 


3o6 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER XXVL 

Susan Worthington found the time hang heavy on 
her listless hands. She was alone, as she so often was, 
for she fretted at the constant presence of the nurse, and 
Mrs. van Kamp having left with the suddenness of her 
unexpected arrival, the house was bare of guests. 

Since John Beverley^s illness — a relapse brought on 
by the chill resulting from his wetting — ^her husband 
had been distrait and worried, and could settle to noth- 
ing, and she missed the music and laughter with which 
the Beverley girls had lightened the quiet house. 

Susan sighed, as she dragged herself to the window 
where the sun beat in through the closed glass raising 
the temperature to summer heat. Her eyes wandered 
among the wilderness of spring blossoms courtesying to 
the weak sea breeze ; but she was not interested, and was 
about to return to her couch by the fire, when she 
caught sight of a big white hat with blue ribbons which 
just showed above the great cacoena hedge surrounding 
the formal garden. 

Well I do believe,^^ she said under her breath, if 
it isn^t Peggy Beverley ! Land, but Pm glad,^^ and 
Susan went back to her pillows, watching the door with 
welcoming eyes. 

She waited for a while, then, ringing the bell, found 
from the servant that Mr. Worthington had joined 
Miss Beverley on the piazza, and that they had just 
gone into the library together. 

Dismissing the man, Susan went to meet her friend 
and husband, never doubting that they were on their 
way to her room, but she crossed the hall and was half 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


307 


way through the music room before she heard their 
voices, and the first words to form themselves in her 
brain so startled her, that she sank down in a chair just 
outside the library door, lacking strength and will to 
made her presence known to those within. 

^^Amy sent me to you,^^ she heard Peggy say — why 
should Amy send her to Charlie, Susan wondered dully, 
but listen, she would find out, if she could only keep 
this roaring in her ears quiet for a moment ; Mrs. Bev- 
erley told her of a letter she had written to you,^^ went 
on Peggy, asking for — for 

I understand perfectly. Miss Beverley,^^ said Worth- 
ington, and I assure you I am glad — thankful — ^to do 
anything in my power.^^ 

Oh hush ! Pve come on purpose to beg you to for- 
get such a horrible suggestion,^^ cried Peggy; Amy had 
no idea of it until her mother told her in her fury this 
afternoon. Mr. Worthington, Pm going to tell you 
something which few people know, but which may make 
your view of — of — Amy — a little more kindly 

Kindly ! cried the man : Kindly ! Pm not a 
brute — I have acted like a devil, and I hate and loathe 
myself even as you must hate and loathe me, but I was 
helpless in the grip of the most overwhelming passion a 
poor wretch ever went down under — Pm not excusing 
myself — please go on 

What I meant to say was this — and Peggy paused 
a moment to steady her voice. ^^My father married 
Amy^s mother when he had been a widower only a little 
over a year,^^ she said. He had scarcely seen her, but 
she needed the protection of a husband and for the 
name^s sake — she was named Beverley too, you know — 
a distant cousin — ^he went through the form of mar- 
riage with her about three months before Amy^s birth. 
I think you ought to know this — in the first place, it 
gives a sort of clue to — to — whaPs happened to Amy — 
and again, because it shows you the sort of woman 


3o8 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

^Te Lulu is, to accept the sacrifice of a man’s whole life 
— oh, I can’t tell you the dislike he had for her, and 
she — she seemed only to live that she might shame him ! 
And now she has shamed Amy. Poor child, she was 
sick with misery before, but when her mother told her 
of this letter — well, it seemed the last straw — and I 
had to promise I would come at once to assure you that 
she knew nothing of it — ^that it didn’t come from her — 
and that she implores you will take no notice of it.” 

I shall do whatever Amy desires. Miss Beverley, 
now and always,” he answered. ^^If she will go with 
me, I will take her to Europe — anywhere — and as soon 
as Mrs. Worthington can get a divorce, I promise — 
Great God, don’t I long to do it ! that I’ll marry her — 
on the very day I’m free. I’ve read and heard a lot about 
love at first sight, and about the attraction certain peo- 
ple have for each other. I’m not making excuses, but 
it was that way with Amy and me. I don’t blame you 
if you don’t believe me. You’ll say a man who truly 
loves a woman should protect her. I know it. I’ve no 
excuse. I was mad — I’m mad still — ^but that doesn’t 
excuse me. Oh, what a fallacy to talk of a man’s being 
married, as if that were a sort of antitoxin so that his 
eyes and desires should never wander from the woman 
he is chained to. Why, it’s this same feeling of being 
chained that makes most of us what we are. But, 
though a fellow may go through a lot of discomfort 
dragging his chain always about with him, there may 
come a time — I don’t say it comes to everybody — when 
nothing can stop him. It was that way with me,” he 
added simply. ^^I didn’t go in for flirtation. I love 
Amy. My God, how I love her ! ” And bowing his 
head on his arm, he sobbed the slow shuddering sobs of a 
strong man, overcome by a temptation stronger than 
himself. 

P^ggy was surprised to find her anger and dislike 
fading, and that instead of hating him, she ached with 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


309 


sympathy, just as she had sympathized with Amy, and 
loved her, a confessed sinner, better than ever before. 

I must have a dreadfully degraded nature,^^ 
thought Peggy, as she stood by his side and gave his 
heaving shoulders an occasional friendly pat. Dear 
me, Pd better run, suppose somebody found us!^^ So 
with a last and more insistent touch, Peggy turned 
to go, but on the threshold she paused. ^^Mr. Worth- 
in^on,^^ she said, forgot, but Amy begged me to 
bring her your word that you would burn ^Te Lulu^s 
letter, and try to forget it; anyhow, that you’ll take 
no notice of it, and that you’ll never, never have any- 
thing to do with her — about Amy — or — er — that sort 
of thing. And we both pray you to believe that we 
knew nothing of the matter. You’ll promise, won’t 
you ? ” 

Worthington raised his eyes to Peggy’s face, then 
stood up beside her. 

^^Miss Beverly, am I too low for you to take my 
hand?” he asked, then as Peggy slipped her little 
fingers into his, he added, want first to thank you 
for your kindness and patience with Amy. Since you 
tell me you are not even her step-sister, I wonder more 
and more at your Christian charity. Please tell Amy, 
with my undying love, that I will do anything she 
wishes — now and always — and that she has my word 
for it, if she’ll take it.” 

I’m afraid you know there’s no doubt about that,” 
replied Peggy. Thank you, good-bye,” and stepping 
through the low window to the piazza, she ran quickly 
down between the hedgerows, unwilling to be seen at 
Paradise, even though no one guessed there was any 
reason for her continued absence. 

Charles Worthington stood at the window until the 
last flash of Peggy’s white hat vanished behind the 
artificially clipped bushes which guarded the side en- 
trance to the Estate, then he turned wearily, too sick 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


310 

at heart to seek amusement out of doors, or among 
the books which, until the past few months, had never 
failed to interest him. 

The man was oppressed by a dull misery for which 
he could find no cure. Through all the years of his 
careless easy life, he had managed in some way to 
obtain his desires; and since his marriage, he had 
been able to gratify every wish as it formed itself. 

In the first burst of his mad passion for Amy, he 
had taken that which his heart craved, but with that 
passion had come love, and now love tortured him. 
He had held a precious, holy thing in his hands, and 
had thrown it down to be trodden into the mire, and 
he knew that he would give his life on earth, and 
his hope of Heaven, to restore the purity of the woman 
he loved. 

The inherent selfishness of his nature was cut to the 
quick, and in its place had grown a deep and abiding 
love for the woman who had sacrificed her honor, and 
given him, besides her youthful beauty, the first and 
only love of her faithful heart. 

And when he thought of himself, it was with a 
loathing bitter as a foretaste of Hell. In all the 
cold bleak world there was but one ray of comfort; 
Amy loved him! In spite of everything — in spite of 
his brutality and selfishness — in spite of the dishonor 
of his broken troth to Susan, Amy loved him! And 
he swore that when the time came, he would make her 
forget the misery which had almost parted them, and 
remember nothing but that he loved her. 

He could not shut his eyes to the fact that his wife 
was dying. Dr. Martineau had warned him in the 
winter that the end was not far, and had advised a 
dryer climate than Oglethrope, but Susan liked the 
place, and the worn-out body longed for rest. She was 
tired of running about the world, she said, and if 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


311 

Charlie would not be too much bored, she wished to 
stay at home. 

And Charlie let her have her way, as he generally 
did, when that way did not interfere with his own. 
When that happened, he could always so manage that, 
seeming of her own accord, Susan fell in with his plans, 
and was quite satisfied in thinking them her own. 

So when she begged to stay on at Paradise, he was 
glad, though he made a slight effort to dissuade her 
on account of her rapidly increasing illness. On being 
consulted, however, Dr. Martineau assured him that 
the change would only add a few months of suffering 
to a life already lived. Susan was doomed. 

It was in vain that Worthington tried to keep the 
thought of his wife^s death from his mind. ^laturally 
kindly, he had been kind to her, never forgetting that 
it was because of her fortune he was able to lead the 
life he liked, and that it was because of her whole- 
hearted devotion that the millions made by the shrewd 
country store-keeper were entirely in his keeping. 

In the first flush of her married life, it had pleased 
Susan to feel dependent on her husband, and without 
his knowledge she had transferred her entire fortune to 
him. It was a bold thing to do, for the man thus 
enriched had scarcely ten dollars of his own after 
leaving the grind of his uncle^s office, but Susan had 
never regretted it. Charlie had been always kind. 
That was her song; Charlie loved her, Charlie had 
honored her above all other women, and she was his 
wife. 

To do him justice, Worthington tried to put the 
thought of near release away from him, but the effort 
became greater with each day that passed. If Susan 
died, everything would be possible — ^love, happiness, 
all, — would be his and Amy^s. 

And Susan was dying. 

Tired of trying not to think the thoughts that ham- 


312 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


mered at his brain, Worthington replaced the unread 
books, and lifted the curtain into the music room — 
then stood appalled — with reeling brain and heart 
thundering in his ears, and his eyes on the reproachful 
face of his dead wife. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


313 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

Susan Worthington was laid to rest beneath the 
moss-draped oaks which shaded the little Churchyard in 
Oglethrope — and on the morning after, Dr. Martineau 
had a visitor. 

It was early, and the old man was still enjoying the 
waffles with which he aways wound up his breakfast 
in spite of his sister^s frightful prophecies anent in- 
digestion and gout, but he left the table at once, and, 
napkin in hand hurried into his ofBce. 

Worthington ! ” he exclaimed, stopping short in 
the doorway, and eyeing his visitor over his spectacles. 
^‘Anything wrong, man? Xot sick, eh?^^ 

Xo, but I want to talk to you. I had no idea it 
was so early. I’ve been strolling about since dawn, 
and it feels like day after to-morrow,” replied Worth- 
ington. Please go back and finish. I’ll wait. There’s 
no hurry, do — I couldn’t explain if I thought I was 
starving you — here. I’ll go out for a walk and come 
back later.” 

You’ll do nothing of the kind. I’m master here, 
young man, and you’re coming in with me and put 
some coffee into that carcass of yours. Darn Devil, 
don’t you know people can’t run about in this country 
on an empty stomach — ^no matter who’s — he added 
laughing. 

I assure you,” began the victim, but Dr. Martineau 
was firm. Come man, don’t be reckless, I prescribe 
breakfast as your physician,” and while still objecting, 
Worthington found himself in the doctor’s cheerful 
dining-room, bowing to Miss Martineau, and in an- 


314 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


other minute, in possession of the paraphernalia nec- 
essary for civilized feeding. 

Waffles being a dish requiring patience, and Miss 
Martineau having a lack of appetite for the one, 
and none at all of the other, she presently excused 
herself, to the relief of both her brother and his guest. 

As soon as they were alone, the doctor turned an 
inquiring glance on the man beside him, which he 
answered at once. 

want your help, Doctor,^^ he said smiling. ^^It 
seems to me I^m always bleating for help these days, 
but I feel sure you’ll agree with me that it’s the best 
thing to do. I’ve looked up the law on the matter, 
and I find that in South Carolina a man and woman are 
legally married if they acknowledge the fact before 
witnesses; that’s so, isn’t it?” 

Dr. Martineau nodded, and Worthington went on. 

Well, I want you to come over with me, and Amy and 
I will call each other husband and wife before you 
and Peggy — or as many people as you please. This 
isn’t the real ceremony,” he added hastily, as Dr. Mar- 
tineau’s shaggy eyebrows knotted into a frown, ^^this 
is only a — a sort of retainer — a pledge you know. 
Don’t think me heartless in insisting upon this in- 
formal marriage before my wife has laid twenty-four 
hours in her grave. I dare say I should be very much 
misunderstood if it were generally known, and I con- 
fess I’m heartsick myself at the raw brutality of it — 
for Sue was a good wife to me — ^better by the weight 
of the world than I deserve. But Sue won’t care — 
now — and Amy has suffered too much for me to 
hesitate.” 

The man turned his haggard face from the sympa- 
thetic friend beside him, and under cover of the cloth 
wrung his hands in an agony of self-reproach. 

No one on earth beside himself knew why Susan 
Worthington had given up her life in silent misery 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


315 


that afternoon when she had sunk exhausted by the 
library door, and from the first desperate realization 
of the truth, he had determined that the secret should 
be hidden in his heart until it died with him. Susan 
was dead. There was no longer any need for stealth 
or deception — Susan was dead. There would be no 
more careless toleration of her presence, and the 
crumbs of friendly liking on which she starved, would 
never again be ungraciously offered for her acceptance. 
Perhaps the day might come when the affection she 
lavished upon the unresponsive man whose name she 
bore, would be missed, but she would never know. Susan 
had denied him nothing. Fortune and an unfailing de- 
votion had been his — now it was her life — and from the 
supreme test of love she had not faltered nor turned 
back — Susan was dead. 

Rousing himself from the black reverie which had 
dogged him for days, and which had sent him out to 
spend the night by the grave of his unloved wife, Worth- 
ington continued, I’ve got to go North to-morrow, and 
I won’t see Amy again until she’s ready, and then we’ll 
be married in Church with bell, book and candlestick, 
and as many accessories as she chooses. But I want to 
clinch matters at once — understand ? ” 

Yes,” replied the doctor slowly, under the circum- 
stances, I think you’re right. Amy will be happier, and 
I dare say you will be too. Now what you want me to 
do is to go over and arrange matters, is it ? ” 

Not exactly — I want to go with you — and I’ll talk 
to Amy about it myself. Do you think we had better in- 
clude Jack Beverley among the witnesses? He has 
never said a word, but I feel sure he knows pretty well 
how things are, and he’s going to marry Peggy, you 
know. He hasn’t said anything about that, either, but 
he’s been determined on it ever since he first saw her, 
and when John Beverley makes up his mind, it’s labor 
lost to try to change it. We’ll have to bring in the old 
lady, I suppose,” he added rather ruefully. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


316 

you’ll escape that/’ said the doctor. ^^Mrs. 
Beverley has left — permanently I think — Peggy told me 
about it. It seems she was so enraged about several 
things — one of them being the fact that old Forsythe, 
whom she coyly led people to believe had arrived to lay 
hand and fortune at the feet of the hard-hearted damsel 
he had worshiped for twenty odd years — announced at 
dinner that he had come because he heard she had sold 
her plantation, and he wanted her to put pews in a 
Baptist Church with some of the purchase money; and 
as if that wasn’t enough, he went on to speak enthus- 
iastically of his wife and eleven offspring ! ” 

Gad ! ” ejaculated Mr. Worthington. 

Darn Devil, yes ! crowed the doctor delightedly. 

Sho was mad enough to eat nails, and before she’d 
cooled down, she stumbled on a newspaper account of 
how Peggy, who had bought her half of Kingsgift for 
three thousand dollars, had turned around and sold the 
whole Estate for twenty thousand.” 

Whew,” whistled the hopeful son-in-law of the lady 
in question. I wonder she didn’t burst ! ” 

Not she ! Now here’s where you come in,” chuckled 
the doctor. Casting about for easy sheckles, I suppose, 
she suddenly bethought herself of a wealthy neighbor 
who was in a position to be bled — or blackmailed — or 
harrassed into a benefactor by some means or other. 
So she promptly wrote a letter, and after starting Strat- 
agem off with it, she sails over to where the girls were 
enjoying peace and quiet, and demands money and ab- 
ject excuses from Peggy in the matter of Kingsgift.” 

Hope she didn’t get it,” was the unfilial response of 
the would-be son-in-law. 

^^Wait and I’ll tell you,” went on the doctor. ^^As 
it happened, Peg didn’t know Dr. McLane had bought 
the place — I had managed the whole business through 
an agent — so she said it was just a newspaper story, and 
Mrs. B. told her she lied — she said so several times — 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


317 


quite insisted upon it, in fact, and when Amy tried to 
quiet her she turned on her, and blackguarded her up 
hill and down dale; called her names she oughtn’t to 
know, and made a raging devil of herself. So then 
Peggy takes up for Amy, and catches what for all over 
again. Finally matters get so unpleasant, that Peggy 
tells Amy the history of her mother’s marriage and 
Amy’s birth — ^you know it, eh?” And as Worthington 
nodded, he resumed, ^^well, Madame gets so excited, 
that in a lull in the storm Peggy hears wheels, and 
rushes out and captures me! 

Damn ! ” said Mr. Worthington with interest. 

^^Yes, indeed!” agreed the doctor, ^^so in I sailed, 
and if I didn’t catch ginger, then I don’t know ginger 
when it comes my way, and the upshot of the whole 
business was that Peggy gave the squalling haridan five 
thousand dollars and her walking papers, and told her 
if she ever bothered her or Amy again, or tried to come 
back to that house, she’d — I declare I don’t know what 
she said she’d do, but it must have been something im- 
pressive, for the aggrieved one packed her trunks (with 
Peggy standing guard over her own belongings — Mrs. 
B. having a forgetful disposition in matters of her step- 
daughter’s lace and jewelry — and the sort of contrap- 
tions women folk like) — anyhow. Stratagem drove her 
to the Junction — she wouldn’t say good-bye to either of 
them — but if curses could knock over a house, the 
Maturin place would have lacked its Mansion, I be- 
lieve, for I saw her as she drove past, and that jaw of 
hers was set like the Day of Judgment. No, we’re rid 
of her, I should say.” 

^^For that which I have just heard, may the Lord 
make me sufficiently thankful ! ” said Worthington sol- 
emnly. Damn ! but Pm glad she’s side-tracked ! And 
I tell you what — I won’t tell Amy all — ^but when we’re 
married — properly married — Pll pay that old woman an 
annuity just as long as she keeps her distance, but if 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


318 

she ever shows those cheeks above our horizon, she’ll 
have seen the last dime from me ! ” and having finished 
their discussion of both breakfast and Mrs. Beverley in 
perfect accord, the two men left the house and walked 
briskly down the shadowed road to the great white man- 
sion on the bluff. 

Peggy and John were in the garden, and on hearing 
the gate clang, went forward to meet the visitors. 

Darn Devil, Pretty Peggy 0 ! ” cried Dr. Martineau, 
what’s the meaning of this display ? ” taking up one 
of the thick braids of hair which hung far below her 
waist, and ended in a long curl. 

^^We went swimming this morning, and my hair 
didn’t dry in time to put it up before breakfast, and 
since then I haven’t had time,” explained Peggy. Amy 
is just as bad, but it doesn’t matter. In fact, I’d believe 
you if you said it was becoming, so why don’t you? 
Don’t mind a little thing like stretching the truth in a 
good cause. Will you come into the house, or sit down 
here ? ” she asked, slipping her hand in Dr. Martineau’s 
arm, and looking up brightly into his beaming face. 

We’re here on business, daughterkins,” he replied. 
Worthington, suppose you go in and talk it over with 
Amy, while I enlighten these Captives of Cupid out 
here. Darn Devil ! ” cried the delighted doctor, that 
sounds like the title to a three volume novel. I’ll bet it 
would take too — Captives of Cupid, or The Lady and 
Her Lover ! How’s that ? Darn Devil, but I’ve missed 
my vocation. I was cut out for an ornament to litera- 
ture, not for a deputy sawbones. Think it’s too late to 
change?” And the embryo novelist paused for en- 
couragement. 

You’re perfect in any condition where it may 
please Heaven to bestow you,” replied Peggy loyally, 
and with a large disregard for particulars. But Mr. 
Worthington, if you want to see Amy, I think you’ll 
find her on the side piazza, dreadfully stained up with 
the strawberries she’s capping for jam.” 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 319 

Thank yon, I donT mind a few strawberries. Pll 
go look for her,” and raising his hat, Worthington 
walked quickly around the corner of the house. 

Come sit down in this arbor and deliver yourself of 
your errand,” demanded Peggy. I^m on such tenter 
hooks of curiosity, that Pll fly into flinders — whatever 
they are — if you donT hurry. Hurry ! ” And she 
motioned the willing doctor into a large chair and 
perched herself on the arm of it. 

Would you rather see Peggy alone, sir?” asked 
John — ^^scenting mystery — and determined not to push 
into family secrets until invited. 

Nonsense ! ” scoffed Peggy, ^^if I can stand it, 
I reckon you can. Don’t be so coy Jonathan ! You’re 
always waiting to be pressed.” 

^^It depends on who is to do the pressing,” replied 
John firmly. Some people — our late lamented ' step- 
mother, for instance — might pine in vain for an in- 
vitation of that kind. But there are others — ^who if 
wishful — and he paused for encouragement. 

I declare, I was told you were cleverish,” said Peggy, 
regarding him with pathetic despair, and here’s! 
Uncle Doctor just choking with news, and you stopping 
to talk about squeezing ’Te Lulu. Out upon you — fie 
upon you — bold face jig ! All aboard Dockelly — quick- 
step ! ” and for J ohn’s edification, Peggy screwed her 
lovely face into a malicious little knot behind the doc- 
tor’s head. . 

Listen you squabbling infants — ^here’s the thing in 
a nut-shell,” began the doctor, quickstepping to order. 

Worthington’s going away to-morrow, and he won’t re- 
turn until Amy gives the word, when he’ll come down, 
and they’ll be married with all the pomp and ceremony 
she pleases, but meanwhile — as a pledge, you know — ^he 
wants to go through a form, which is binding as any- 
thing else in South Carolina, where, when a man and 
woman acknowledge themselves husband and wife — be- 


320 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


fore witnesses — they^re telling the truth. And Worth- 
ington wants to do that this morning. I think, under 
the circumstances, it^s a pretty good idea. What^s your 
opinion, eh?” 

Do you know, Unc^ Billy Boy, I just can^t help lik- 
ing that man,” said Peggy slowly. I know I ought to 
feel angry, and call him a wolf in wool, and a ruffian, 
and all sorts of names, and loathe the very sight of him. 
But instead, I really like him, and I think we’re going 
to be awfully good friends. Do you think that shows 
natural depravity on my part ? I’m worried about my- 
self.” And Peggy looked doubtfully from one to the 
other. 

Natural depravity ! ” they cried in chorus, and 
then laughed — the large generous laughs with which 
men greet such suggestions when self-applied to the 
woman they love. 

They were still smiling when Worthington and Amy 
came up to them. The girl was delicately pale from her 
recent illness, but her shining eyes and scarlet lips gave 
no hint of any present weakness, and in the little white 
frock, with its round neck and short sleeves, and with 
her hair braided and hanging loose, she seemed a lovely 
child of about fourteen happy summers. 

Peggy — ^would it be right?” she asked breathlessly, 
laying her little pink-stained hand on Peggy’s bare arm. 
Then with a quick shy glance around, she added, I dis- 
trust things I want to do, but if you and Dr. Martineau 
are satisfied 

threw her arm around her, and laid her cheek 
on hers. Don’t fret, Pinkus — it’s all right. Nobody 
will ever know except just us five,” and taking Amy’s 
hand she laid it in the hand of her lover. 

Say it, Charlie,” she commanded, you first, then 
Amy.” 

Worthington put his arm around the trembling girl, 
and drew her close; ^^You are my wife, Amy, before 


PRETTY PEGGY O 321 

God, and the whole world/^ he said, and in a low clear 
voice Amy answered, ^^You are my husband, Charlie, 
in the sight of God. Look Peggy — Dr. Martineau — 
John — see, we are husband and wife. Thank God 
for the truth of it ! 

^^Amen,^^ responded Worthington brokenly, as he 
bent and kissed his wife upon her smiling mouth. 


322 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

Peggy! Peggee! Oh, Peggy!” called Amy^s gay 
voice from the piazza. Peggy! where are you?” 

^‘Here 0,” answered Peggy, appearing from the 
arbor, followed by John. Anything happened?” 

I hope so,” replied Amy complacently, Here’s 
a lot of mail, anyhow, and a package by express for 
little me. The mail boy brought it over, and made 
such miration. Pm quite excited. Come along, let’s 
look.” 

^^Take my knife, if you won’t let me open it,” sug- 
gested John, holding it out: ^^I believe a woman could 
build an ironclad with one hairpin ! ” he added, 
watching Amy’s manipulation of the implement. 

Mayn’t I cut it for you ? ” 

No, no ! I have a presentiment that it’s from 
Charlie,” she answered, and I want to get it open all 
by myself — I don’t know why I should think it’s from 
him — as he hasn’t hinted at sending anything, and 
it isn’t addressed by him either, but I don’t know any- 
body else from whom it could be ! ” and she looked 
doubtfully from one to the other. 

^^Pinkus, if you don’t stop this exasperating guess- 
work, ni deprive you of that package by force — and 
keep it too,” declared Peggy wrathfully, her curiosity 
being easily aroused, and Amy’s hesitating movements 
not calculated to allay it in the near future — Hurry 
Chickadee ! ” 

Peg — you don’t suppose it could be something 
dreadful, do you ? ” she asked, somehow, since Charlie 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


323 


left, I dread even looking in a letter — afraid — 
things happen so easily — and Amy^s lip trembled. 

What could happen, lovey dumpling? what that you 
could put into an envelope, or this tiny box!^^ scoffed 
Peggy — why, he couldnT send anything bigger than a 
lock of his hair in that thing. Open it honey bunch — 
there’s a darling.” 

Thus encouraged Amy wrenched off the wrapper, and 
found a plain deal box, which being deprived of its 
sliding lid, revealed much raw cotton and a small white 
leather case. Amy’s fingers trembled as she opened it, 
and both girls gave a cry of delight at sight of the ring 
fitted in its white velvet cushion. 

Oh, look ! ” sang Amy flourishing the box in a man- 
ner to preclude any such possibility, isn’t it the love- 
liest, beautifulest thing you ever saw?” And she 
capered about on the soft grass in an impromptu fan- 
dango. 

Here, let me see it,” commanded Peggy, acquiring 
possession by an unexpected exhibition of celerity and 
force. Oh, John, did you ever?” taking the ring 
from the box, and looking at it with her head cocked 
sideways and admiring eyes. never saw a heart- 
shaped sapphire, did you? And isn’t the color exqui- 
site? And aren’t the diamonds on either side busters? 
Here Amy, you lucky child, put it on.” But Amy was 
deep in the letter which accompanied it, and sat wrinkl- 
ing her brows in a manner greatly disapproved by Lady 
Lilias. 

I vow ! ” she exclaimed. Here I am Just longing 
to know what Charlie’s thinking about, and beyond a 
letter here and there I can’t make out a thing. If the 
letters I can locate were all in one word I might find out 
something, but I don’t believe the Angel Gabriel could 
read Charlie Worthington’s writing. Let me refresh 
myself with the sight of my ring, then I’ll gird up my 
loins and try again.” 


324 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Slipping the ring on the fourth finger of the left 
hand, Amy turned it slowly backward and forward to 
watch the flash and sparkle of the stones. 

Oh Peg, bnt it^s beautifuV^ she said with a sigh of 
contentment. ^^If I could only read his letters, my 
cup would be full. Please don^t tell on me, but do you 
know of the six letters IVe received since he left I 
haven’t read much more than an inch ? ” 

John and Peggy broke into laughter at her tragic ex- 
pression, and after a moment Amy joined them. Isn’t 
it the irony of fate not to be able to read one’s own 
love-letters?” she cried, ^^and I daren’t tell him so. 
Maybe he’s asking questions and expecting answers — 
how can I tell ? ” 

No rose without its thorn,” remarked John senten- 
tiously. You don’t want me to help you decipher that 
hieroglyphic, do you? ” he asked. I know old Worth’s 
scratches about as well as anyone, and I can generally 
tell what he’s driving at, even if I can’t vouch for the 
composition.” 

^^No-o thank you,” replied Amy slowly. They’re 
mine, even if I don’t know what they mean, and I’ll puz- 
zle them out for myself or send for a — ^glossary — is that 
what they call the thing at the end which explains 
idioms, and Scotch, and Gullah, and things ? ” 

I shouldn’t wonder,” replied Peggy with comfortable 
charity. You’re always pretty safe with those words, 
for mighty few people know more than you do yourself. 
Maybe the unhappy wretch knew what he meant when 
he invented it, but he’s probably dead of a softened 
brain long ago, and since then, it’s every man for him- 
self, and the Devil take the hindermost ! ” 

You seem to have some literature of your own, lady 
love,” said John, with a significant glance at the bundle 
of letters almost too large for Peggy’s hand. Aren’t 
you interested in such earthly matters as correspond- 
ence?” 


325 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

^^Very much, indeed, she responded promptly. 

Especially in this batch of information. Have you any 
idea,^^ she asked, looking at him shyly, ^^what Pm so 
busy about 

I donT know, but I resent the seclusion in which 
you keep my wife,^^ he grumbled. It was bad enough 
when I lived here, and had to scout like a savage and do 
stunts the sleuthiness of which would have made Sher- 
lock Holmes tremble for his reputation — still, I did 
catch a glimpse of you occasionally — but what with the 
dreariness of that big Paradise house, where Perkins 
and I rattle about like a couple of parched peas in a 
gourd, and having to beg like a cripple for five minutes 
of your society when I come over here a- visiting, (and 
there are such things as the laws of hospitality, I wish 
you to remember ! but in spite of them I am treated 
with such stiff-necked scorn that I finally creep off feel- 
ing like an outcast worm. Is that the way to treat a 
fellow in his dual personality of guest and husband 

Poor old Jack-a-baby ! Somebody been mean to 
Johnny boy? What you want Peggy to do for de itty 
bitty man child? ISTe^ mind sugar lump, Peggy^ll take 
care Johnny, Peggy won^t let bad booger-oomans catch 
po^ scared lonesome httle — Go Vay J ohn ! I won’t be 
kissed in open view of every window in Oglethorpe. Ho 
you don’t ! ” as John made a feint, then sidestepped 
between Peggy and the refuge on which she had her 
eye. 

I’ve had enough of your impudence young woman, 
and you’re going to pay the piper. Incidentally I’ll let 
you know that I’m the piper, and you’ve got to pay in 
good honest kisses for every unfeeling speech you’ve 
made this morning. Do you surrender and beg for 
mercy?” And John advanced with open arms. 

“ Oh John, you look exactly like old ’Hezzer when 
he’s shooing pigs out of the barn — Ow — Ho you don’t — 
you’re lovely, John. You look like Apollo, or — er — • 


326 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


any other old somebody! I dare you to catch me — 
you canT do it ! And Peggy, who had calculated her 
chances as she spoke, dashed under his outstretched 
arms and flew down the path to the protection of a 
great laurel tree around which she might dodge and 
circumvent the enemy. 

But though Peggy was fleet of foot, she was no match 
for the man who pursued her, and as she swung around 
the friendly trunk John took the opposite direction, and 
before she could stop she had flung herself into his 
arms. 

ThaPs righV^ he assured her suavely. This is ex- 
actly as it should be. I^m glad to see you so amenable 
to your husband^s reasoning, Mrs. Beverley. No — ^there’s 
not a bit of use to struggle — you^ve got your back to the 
neighborhood, but Pll give you the news. Now stand 
still — the more you wriggle the more noticeable youfll 
be. Steady sweetheart, don^t distract Miss Lovey Over- 
holme^s attention which is concentrated upon you. 
Keep quiet Peggy. She^s only beckoning to Miss 
Lavinia — I don’t know which one — an5^ay she’s point- 
ing out the tableau, and Miss Lavinia is in frenzied pur- 
suit of her glasses. Is that Miss Draper whom I see 
approaching ? Shall I call her ? Oh never mind — ^here 
she comes 

^^John Beverley,” and Peggy’s voice though smoth- 
ered, was cold with fury. John Beverley, if you don’t 
take your hateful arms away and stop smashing my nose 
flat against your buttons. I’ll — I’ll — I’ll eat straight 
through you — there ! ” 

With a shout of laughter John loosened without re- 
moving the constraining arms, and with one hand lifted 
Peggy’s face to his, but when he saw the tears she tried 
in vain to hide, he said penitently, sweetheart, don’t be 
angry — I was only teasing. There wasn’t a creature in 
sight, and you were so hidden by the tree that you 
couldn’t have been seen if the whole neighborhood had 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


327 


turned out on a tour of inspection. Don’t cry darling — 
I wouldn’t have vexed you for the world — I didn’t mean 
to hurt you Peggy, I was only protecting myself — and 
you dared me ! ” 

know I did. I’m not denying my behavior calls 
for punishment, but all the same I don’t like it,” re- 
plied Peggy, her head high, and her cheeks scarlet with 
the jumble of feelings at war within her. 

Say you forgive me Peggy,” begged John, holding 
out his hand, for God’s sake sweetheart, don’t be an- 
gry — I was only in fun.” 

I know it,” snapped his irate lady, and that’s one 
reason I’m so furious. There’s nothing so hateful as be- 
ing angry with a person who isn’t angry with you. I’m 
ashamed of my temper John — and I’m trying to be as 
amiable as I can — but — raising great unfriendly eyes 
to his — if you knew how I loathe trying to be amiable, 
and how I detest the people who put me into this ob- 
jectionable frame of mind, you’d — ^you’d box my ears, 
and I’d just love to box yours back! Good-bye. I’m 
going to attend to my correspondence as you suggested 
some time ago,” and Peggy walked off with the honors 
of war. 

J ohn, however, had no idea of accepting his dismissal 
so meekly, so following his lady to the house where she 
seemed about to evade him, he again humbled himself, 
and craved pardon for all the sins of commission and 
omission he could remember, quite irrespective of owner- 
ship. 

Peggy’s lips twitched and her eyes were full of mis- 
chief as she raised them to the face of the penitent, but 
she answered mournfully, I didn’t think you would 
have been that grabbish, John, you won’t even leave me 
my wickedness. Poor little Peggy ! ” Then, tired of the 
role of martyrm she exclaimed briskly, Do John, stop 
being cross. I can’t bear people who take umbrage at a 
bit of fun. But I forgive you — I’ve a lovely disposi- 


328 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


tion — arenT you glad I’m not quarrelsome, John? For 
it would never do for both of us to be that way,’^ and in 
spite of her efforts, Peggy burst into a peal of laughter. 

Good Lord ! ” cried John, wiping his forehead with 
a tremendous show of relief. I’m glad that’s over ! I 
don’t like to quarrel with you Peggy — it’s very nice to 
make up — drawing her closer to him, and resting his 
cheek upon her burnished hair, ^^but I’d rather be 
friends, first, last and all the time.” 

^^Me too,” said Peggy, with a noble disregard for 
Lindley Murray. So see that you’re not only polite 
but complimentary when you address this spinster. I 
confess I’m never so amiable as when well buttered with 
praise, and that’s a point you’d do well to remember, 
friend.” Then changing the* conversation with a ca- 
priciousness which made him smile, she asked, John, 
do you know the difference between a spinster, and an 
old maid? ” 

^^Why, is there any difference?” John asked cau- 
tiously, mindful of pitfalls. 

Of course — all the difference there is — she re- 
joined, an old maid, you poor benighted heathen, is a 
woman who has never been courted, and a spinster is 
an old maid who has had one or more opportunities to 
change her name and condition. Leaving out yourself, 
which do you think I am, John?” asked Peggy, who 
had by this time been lured into the cool and darkened 
library, and was seated on one of the sofas which people 
in anti-revolutionary days regarded as large enough for 
two, but which are now outranked by seats intended 
only for one. 

John, however, considered the old style both sen- 
sible and of great comfort, so, being busy with her ques- 
tion, Peggy was seated and embraced before she had 
time to object. The opportunity having passed, how- 
ever, she waived the circumstance, and now fixed her 
great dark eyes on her lover while she waited for his 
answer. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


329 


^^Fve often wondered how many victims have fallen 
before your bow and spear besides myself/^ replied 
John, ^^but there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ve 
found a lover in every man who ever looked at you. If 
you hadn’t been hidden away in this remote corner of 
nowhere, you’d have been carried off long before poor 
John Beverley got a chance — and that’s straight, dar- 
ling. It makes me shiver to think of it 

^^You know I told you I liked praise,” remarked 

Peggy pleasantly, go on — say some more 

John laughed the delighted laugh of the man in pos- 
session. I could say some more for hours at a stretch 
if I weren’t so dreadfully afraid of you,” he answered, 
not of you, exactly, but of what you might do — run off, 
for instance — or — never mind, tell me how many fellows 
came to grief in their struggles to secure this heart 0’ 
gold?” 

Oh, nobody much,” replied Peggy. I’m not nearly 
so popular as you think. Why, Cissy Draper openly 
brags that she has had more proposals than Amy and I 
together, and I believe she has.” 

You’re joking!” announced John with the em- 
phasis of conviction. It isn’t possible.” 

Oh, yes it is,” replied Peggy airily, she counts the 
butcher and the half-witted mail boy, and a lot of such — 
er — things — that we shouldn’t care about, Amy and I. 
Still, I’m a spinster, John. You aren’t the one and 
only appreciative person I’ve met. 

Well, I don’t want you to meet any more, — at least, 
not until I’m sure of you — and that brings me to what 
I’ve been fairly bursting to say ever since I arrived, only 
I’ve been so badly treated I didn’t dare,” and John as- 
sumed an expression which he fondly hoped combined 
all the virtues most admired by the lady of his love. 

ISTever mind — brace up ! say the say you want to 
say, — ^take your courage in both hands. I seldom bite, 
and even if I should be enticed into the shiftless ways of 


330 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

cannibalism, my appetite isnT large, and while you’re 
recovering from one onslaught, and getting ready for 
the next meal, you’ll have the uplifting consciousness of 
duty nobly done. Do speak out, John, I simply hate to 
talk when I want to hear what anybody else has to say — 
but Pm just like that puppy who was one of my favorite 
book friends when I was about six years old — do you re- 
member the philosophy of his remark ? ” 

John shook his head, and Peggy continued: ^^No? 
your education has been shamefully neglected — listen — 
and absorb the quiet domesticity of the scene ! 

* Two little dogs sat by the fender 
Over a fire of coal dust, 

And said one little dog to the other little dog, 

Well, if you wonH talk, then I must,* 

Now isn’t that both thrilling and apropos? ” 

Especially the latter,” agreed John. Sweetheart, 
be serious for a moment, for I want my wife’s advice. 
Do you remember I was telling you of an offer to do 
some big work in Russia?” 

Peggy nodded. Well, I’ve got to decide before July, 
and if you think you could stand the place — for we’d be 
most of the time in little towns where the big interest- 
ing life of Russia never casts its shadow — ^but if you 
think you could stand it, darling, I think we’d get 
enough out of the job to retire from all such out-of- 
knowledge localities, and be sufficiently influential to 
choose our future work. But we’ll have to be married 
in June at the latest. Blessing, and take the journey to 
Russia as our wedding trip — unless I can persuade you 
to be married sooner — in which case. I’ll take you where- 
ever you choose,” and John looked down anxiously at the 
lovely face pressed against his arm. 

Peggy rubbed her cheek on his rough sleeve for a mo- 
ment before she answered, then looking up at him with 
a little laugh, asked Do you remember that I asked if 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


331 


you knew why I was so busy with my mail and things 
this morning? Well, stupid goose-gander, you’re the 
very most unlikely boy to riddle me riddle me ree an 
answer to a sensible question that ever had need of a 
wife to guide his wayward steps.” Peggy laughed as 
she sprang up and stood before him, What do you sup- 
pose was in those big fat envelopes ? Samples ! goosey, 
and what are samples for — in this particular instance? 
Trousseau ! gander gosling , — now do you begin to see a 
light ? ” 

Yes, and Pm blinded ! ” whispered John, kissing her 
eyes and cheeks and lovely mouth in an ecstasy of happi- 
ness. When, Peggy, when,” he asked, his lips against 
her ear. 

Honest, as soon as I can, John, but it’s ’most May 
now, and I couldn’t get married in May — only men can 
ever get married in May without practically signing 
their death warrant, so, unless you have cravings for 
the interesting position of widower, you mustn’t insist 
on May. You’ll be good, won’t you?” looking up at 
him anxiously. 

Good as gold,” asserted John, though you needn’t 
expect me to believe that just because a woman chooses 
the loveliest month in the year for her wedding, she’ll be 
struck by lightning, or something. What in the world 
put that idea in your head, darling?” 

always knew it,” replied Peggy. was born 
knowing it. Haven^t you heard the prophecy ^ Bride of 
May, Bride of a day?’ But you can count on more 
than a day — ^that’s only a facon de parler for the sake 
of the rhyme — the real true for true truth is, that the 
bride of one May will never live to see another. Oh it’s 
true ! Don’t try to tempt me, for on this point, I’m not 
only firm, I am adamant'' and Peggy laughed up at him 
with such radiant beauty of coloring and feature, that 
John could scarcely realize his good fortune in having 
found this woman toward whom his whole nature leaned 


332 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


with a devotion he had never before believed possible, 
and he thanked Heaven in his heart for the miracle at 
which he never ceased to wonder and rejoice, the God- 
given blessing of her love for him. 

Now if you^ll be reasonable, Pd like to talk ways and 
means with you, J ack-a-dandy,^^ said Peggy, Will you 
listen now, or would you rather wait until fortified by 
the humble meal which everyone who lives at Paradise 
calls luncheon, but which, in the old Maturin house 
proudly masquerades as dinner ? You’ll stay, of 
course ? ” 

Naturally,” he replied readily. Don’t think I 
will return to that shanty up the river except to attend 
to such needful matters of toilette as the setting sun 
seems to demand. After which I will return, and like 
Lazarus at the gate of Dives I will solicit supper until 
fed, and if your foreboding reaches yet further into the 
veiled future, you may prophesy with as much truth as 
humanity can take care of, that I’ll stay and protect you 
and Amy, until I’m forcibly turned out of doors by 
Treason and a key as big as my leg. Have I painted too 
gloomy a future ? Hold on ! you aren’t going, are you ? 
I haven’t vexed you, have I ? ” 

Murder ! but I must be a tartarette ! ” sighed Peggy. 

Here’s six feet two of muscular manhood, who fairly 
quails before my most hospitable word ! well, if quail he 
will, then quail he shall, and I’ll see to it ! ” and with 
doubled fists and a determined puckering of the lips she 
advanced to where John stood at his post like an over- 
grown Casabianca. 

Traitor! defend thy self — or part with portions of 
thy loved anatomy, and eke with ruddy drops of bright 
blue gore ! ” Then suddenly throwing her soft arms 
around his neck she cried: ^^The tyrant’s got you 
John, aren’t you scared?” 

Never 1” asserted the victim. can stand a lot 
more than this — why 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


333 


Well, now I\e got you where you can’t get away/’ 
calmly remarked his assailant, ^^I’m going to suggest 
something — and keep your head up John — I can’t think 
how you can be so brazen as to look people in the face 
when you talk matrimony! So now — settling her- 
self comfortably — you see, John, if we’re going to the 
other end of nowhere directly we’re — er — directly it’s 
over, why I won’t need the big end of my trousseau at 
first, so I thought I’d just get a few necessities here, and 
a few other necessities in New York, and couldn’t we 
stop in Paris, John, and simply revel in pretty things? 
Wait, don’t answer till I get through — Now John 
dear — ” and the pressure of John’s arms emphasized 
the word — Amy will have to go with us. She can’t 
stay here alone — can she? so I was wondering if we 
couldn’t take her with us — a sort of traveling brides- 
maid — as they used to be, you know — and after we get 
away from Oglethorpe which is the only pin head of a 
spot on the whole earth where either Amy or I are 
known — so couldn’t Mr. Worthington happen to be 
where we happen to stop ? and John, why shouldn’t they 
get married off there where we’re going to live? the 
little Russian place, you know, nobody’d know, and 
nobody’d care, when it was or how or where — dear me I 
I’m almost poetizing — but I’ve outlined the idea — what 
do you say ? ” and Peggy drew back, and looked shyly up 
into J ohn’s radiant face. 

Say ? ” he cried — Say ? I say yes — and the happy 
day will be the first Wednesday in June, promise?” 

IJh, uh,” assented Peggy, let’s see what day of the 
month that comes on,” and Peggy picked up a calendar 
from the desk and studied its figures. 

J ohn — you wretch ! ” she cried laughing, the very 
first day of June is Wednesday; did you know? ” 

I certainly did,” replied John happily. 


334 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The month of May — so fatal to brides, and so full of 
sympathy with all the rest of nature — ^had left one-half 
of its life beneath the solemn oaks and plumey C3rpress 
trees of Oglethorpe, and Peggy noted with dismay the 
shortening hours of her girlhood, and the few remain- 
ing days she had to spend beneath the roof which had 
sheltered so many of her race. 

John still kept house en garcon at Paradise, passing 
most of his waking hours with Peggy, even following 
her np to the sewing room and giving grave advice 
upon such knotty points of dressmaking as appealed to 
his understanding; while Amy worked with indefati- 
gable zeal, her deft fingers adding such touches of em- 
broidery and hand made trimming, that the frocks 
which in their inception were plain to severity, soft- 
ened into articles of grace and beauty, with a style 
which cried so loudly of Parisian origin that the 
genuine qualities were never questioned. 

But with all the busy preparation, Peggy remained 
idle. Never before had her little hands laid supine 
when work was to be done, but now — ^when up to her 
eyes in the arrangement of a trousseau which as a 
child, she had considered the chief consideration in 
marriage, Peggy spent her days in dreaming, and her 
nights in wandering and prayer. 

When she thought of her wedding day but two weeks 
off, her heart stood still with horror lest she had mis- 
taken friendship for love, or that John had outgrown 
his affection for her, and was being led to the altar by 
sentiments of pity and honor. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


335 


When absent from him, her heart would grow soft 
with happiness and jgratitude to God for his tender 
care and devotion, yet when in his presence she was as 
shy as a little child,/ meeting his eyes with an effort, 
and finding few Words with which to clothe the 
thoughts which had never before been diflBcult of 
expression. 

Peggy was so surprised, yet made so miserable by 
her altered attitude toward her entire world, that she 
had little thought for herself, and the soft May days 
seemed to drag their weary length through years of 
cruel sameness, yet at the same time to appear — flash 
by — and become extinct with the speed of some dread- 
ful mechanism which was carrying her — helpless and 
without hope — to the end of the only life she knew 
or cared about. 

In spite of her dazed and frightened condition, Peggy 
had never been so beautiful as during this last month 
of single blessedness, and John watched her with loving 
pride as he counted the days which must elapse before 
he gained his hearPs desire. 

To him, the future was of unalloyed happiness, and 
he did not realize the consternation with which Peggy 
watched the passing time, until one evening, when 
their wedding was scarcly ten days off, he found the 
little bride a dejected bundle of soft white muslin, 
curled up in a big winged chair in the seldom used 
morning room. 

^^Why Peggy, sweetheart,” he said doubtfully, as 
he peered through the early twilight toward the place 
from which came the sound of stifled sobs. Peggy 
darling?” and John bent over and touched the red 
gold hair of the girl so soon to be his wife. 

Peggy neither spoke nor looked up, and but for the 
long heart-broken sobs, he would have thought her 
sleeping, and have left the room without disturbing her, 
but he recognized the note of suffering, and finding he 


336 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


could gain no attention, stooped and gathered her in 
his arms, then usurped her seat, and held her on his 
knee, like a baby, with one hand pressing her head 
down on his shoulder, and with the other giving her 
an occasional pat. 

What’s the trouble, dearest dear little heart?” he 
whispered with his face against hers, Peggy darling, 
you’re not regretting anything, are you ? ” 

Peggy refused to raise her head, but she shook it in 
emphatic denial, and John, made wise by that which 
suffereth long and is kind, refrained from questions, 
and only held her tighter in his loving arms. 

Gradually the storm wore itself out, and Peggy 
turned, but made no effort to leave her resting place. 
Eaising one cool little hand, she stroked John’s cheek 
then slipped her arm around his neck and drew his face 
to hers. 

Have patience with me please,” she murmured, I 
don’t know why I’m so low in my mournful mind, but 
I think it’s because — Oh, John, I want my mother ! ” 
And Peggy was again shaken by choking sobs. 

Think of it John, I never knew her, and oh, I 
miss Daddy! Did you ever know such a forlornity as 
the woman you want to marry? I don’t suppose I’m 
fit to have relations — ^but I’d surely be glad of them — 
I don’t know what’s the matter, but I think I’m home- 
sick, John. It’s a pretty poor showing, isn’t it, when 
a girl has nothing to mourn but four walls and some 
chimneys ! I never realized that I was absolutely alone 
in the world, until just now, when I started to look 
up somebody to come to the wedding, and I found I 
couldn’t scare up a creature except one step-sister who 
isn’t a crumb of kin, and a budding husband who was 
a complete stranger to me until last Christmas or 
thereabouts. I’ve got a few Maturin kinfolk but I don’t 
know them, and they are in Europe now, so they don’t 
count. I’m lots more lonely since I found out how 
lonesome this proves me to be.” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


337 


Poor little woman child/^ comforted J ohn, it does 
seem strange that among all the foolish ugly people who 
swarm the earth, we can^t find one or two decent ones 
to play with my wife. Peggy — Peggy! let me be 
everything and everybody to yon, sweetheart. I love 
yon enongh for a dozen, and lots left over. Pm a one- 
by-myself fellow too, darling. Do yon think that will 
make yon any kinder ? 

Kinder! why, John, Pm kind nntil I think yon’ll 
loathe me for being so sofV^ she insisted. 

Bnt yon love me, don^t yon, Peggy ? ” he asked anx- 
ionsly. 

Peggy tnrned nntil she bronght one eye to bear npon 
her qnestioner, wherenpon she winked affectionately, 
then bnrrowing her head in his shonlder, again gave her- 
self np to the pleasnres of melancholy. 

In ten days yen’ll be my wife — my wife! whispered 
John, ^^and as long as I live yon shall never be lonely, 
or miss anything that love can give yon. Trnst me, lit- 
tle girl, won’t yon? I’ll be good to yon, Peggy — I 
conldn’t help being — and John gathered her closer in 
his arms, and kissed her softly wherever he conld find 
an nnprotected place. 

And I call yonr name Pretty Peggy 0,” sang Amy 
rnnning throngh the hall. 

Here me ! ” answered Peggy, mimicing the invari- 
able answer of Spoils. 

^^Why and wherefore?” qnestioned John as they 
joined her. 

Oh I don’t know,” replied Amy, It’s time for snp- 
per — that’s one thing — and I’m a fraidy cat in the 
dark — that’s another. And jnst a little pinch of reason 
is, that I’ve got a letter from Charlie 

^^Ko!” cried John, ^^yon don’t mean it! Dear me, 
that fellow will impoverish himself on stamps. What’s 
the news ? ” 

That’s what I can’t find out,” replied Amy, in no 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


338 

way teased by the laughter of the others. Pm fairly 
popping with condensed curiosity, and I can’t find out a 
single word except Mrs. van Kamp ! Pm not certain — 
it may be something about a boat — I think he said some- 
thing about a boat lately — or possibly he’s writing about 
going on to Europe next month — I wrote him about 
that, but I don’t know whether he answered. I want 
you to look at the word, John, right here — ^no — here — 
there — for the love of lucidity, what is he talking about 
and Amy carefully pointed out a mark which looked like 
the photograph of an octopus in a fit. John frowned, 
and looked at the puzzle in several lights and finally de- 
clared, thinlc, ladies and gentlemen, that he is an- 
nouncing the death of our dear (when absent) friend, 
Mrs. van Kamp, and if anybody but Charlie was re- 
sponsible for this sheet — dipping it scornfully with 
his finger — ^^Pd prophesy that, not easily wearied by 
well doing, he had gone on to report that her entire for- 
tune is left to Miss Peggy Beverley, but I dare say Pm 
mistaken, and only raising hopes which will dash the 
hoper from his hopeful pinnacle, and hurl him into the 
black despair already fully occupied by those who have 
hoped in vain. Don’t set your heart on the fair but 
false Emily, Miss Beverley. If you must hand it over 
to somebody, behold a candidate worthy of considera- 
tion ! ” And J ohn squared his already square shoulders, 
and did his best to look inviting. 

Murder!” gasped Peggy. ^^If she just had! Oh 
dear darling little me, if I were an heiress John, 
wouldn’t you be glad you’d done your courting before 
such happy happenings? Because now nobody can 
accuse you of fortune hunting.” 

I’ve got the fortune I’ve been hunting ever since I 
struck Oglethorpe,” declared John loyally. But don’t 
trust anything so untrustworthy as old Worthington’s 
writing. He’d probably be as much surprised as any- 
one else, if he knew what he is accused of saying. To 
begin with 


339 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

^^But John/^ interrupted Amy, ^^Pm almost cer- 
tain he says that very thing — look — iPs as plain as day, 
see that ? ThaPs a K — and that mark is just about far 
enough on for a p — see? And wait — on this second 
line — ^you seem to get a sort of whiff of something about 
fortune, donT you? It just catches your eye, though 
you canT point to any special word. Oh, me,^^ and Amy 
groaned aloud. ^^If anybody knew how I wanted to 
find out the meaning of what Charlie sends by the page- 
ful ! And she turned her troubled gaze back to her un- 
deciphered letter. 

^^You mustnT say ^of whaV^ you must say of that 
which/' corrected Peggy. Northern people always 
think we’re so ungrammatical, that I’ve been on the 
lookout for both of us; you aren’t vexed, are you, 
Pinkus ? ” 

Vexed? Why no, only grateful,” replied Amy, 
though the thought of being judged by rows upon rows 
of grammatical creatures, all of them graduates of col- 
leges I never even heard of, and all able to do stunts at 
parsing, and fractions, and spelling! Peg, don’t you 
think we’d better pretend John got us out of a deaf 
mute asylum ? It’ll be safer for his reputation as a man 
of judgment if he does. Why on earth didn’t you start 
me to thinking about the hateful things before? Now 
here’s supper — as Treason appeared from the dining- 
room — let’s see if I can make that announcement in 
the frigidly correct manner which, according to you, is 
so necessary in New England. Now how’s this? Our 
sable serviter says supper’s served, so straightway start 
to satisfy — er — ^honest I can’t think of a word but 
Sally Lunn, and I reckon they’d think she was a bit of 
friend or relation — saved over, cold — from dinner. No, 
I’m a mute, but until it’s necessary, let’s talk, talk, 
talk — And Amy picked up her skirts and pirouetted 
ahead of them into the dining-room. 

In the momentous questions which seemed never an- 


340 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 

swered without giving place to others equally trouble- 
some, Peggy and Amy forgot the hopes raised by 
Worthington^s letter, and John had never credited them 
with a second thought ; so when, on the following after- 
noon, Treason appeared with a visiting card, Peggy was 
at a loss to imagine the business which would call a Mr. 
Oliver Randal Blanchard to Oglethorpe. 

Book agenV^ commented Amy. I suppose he got 
lost somewhere, and fell over Oglethorpe, and it^s just 
our luck to have him settle on us, I believe the reason 
we^re picked out for such attacks is that we’re next door 
to the Church, and paupers think we’re the rectory.” 

^^Well, no matter why, the awful fact remains that 
we are,” said Peggy. Here Pinkus, do do up my back, 
won’t you ? I’m almost dressed — here, tie this please — 
and fasten my necklace. If I raise my arms, my fischu 
gets out of the curves it has taken ten minutes to lay 
properly. Thanks — a handkerchief, please — in case he’s 
a weeptious person. How cross my back for luck and 
I’m gone.” 

With her back crossed, Peggy hurried down the widei 
shallow stairway, and into the presence of her visitor, 
who rose as she advanced. 

Miss Beverley ? ” he inquired as he bowed over the 
little hand she held out in welcome. I should have 
written, probably, but I didn’t understand that Ogle- 
thorpe was so — so 

So ungettable ? ” laughed Peggy. I’m sorry if 
you’ve been bothered by our remoteness, and I confess 
we’re at the very back of everywhere, so you needn’t 
mind telling your adventures. Everybody — strangers, 
I mean — always arrive with a three volume commentary 
upon the impossibilities of the road, but I’ve never 
known a case where they didn’t fall in love with Ogle- 
thorpe, if they stayed long enough to get rested. So I 
hope you will say many good words for it before you 
leave. And Peggy smiled up in the face of her visitor, 
who smiled at her in return. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


341 


Excuse me if I make sure before opening my budget, 
please, but are you Miss Margaret Maturin Beverley 
who is called Peggy ? he asked, adjusting his eyeglass, 
and examining a slip of paper taken from a business- 
like wallet. 

That is certainly my name and nickname, replied 
Peggy, who, though for no reason she could think of, 
was beginning to tremble, but I canT imagine how you 
knew — or why it should make any difference. There 
isnT anything the matter, is there ? Anything dreadful, 
I mean,^^ and Peggy raised great, anxious eyes to the 
stranger who seemed to possess uncanny knowledge upon 
subjects she considered purely personal. 

There doesn’t happen to be any other young lady of 
your name in the family, I suppose ? ” he inquired cau- 
tiously. ^^You know it’s often the case — especially, 
I’ve been told, in the South, where tradition is guarded 
even more carefully than with us.” 

So far as I know,” replied Peggy slowly, I haven’t 
a relation on earth, beyond my half-sister, who lives with 
me, and whose name is Amelia. I am named for my 
mother, and for her mother, and glad as I’d be to ac- 
knowledge a kinswoman of my own or any other name, 
I’m afraid I’m all you’ll find.” Then, curiosity getting 
the better of her, she asked, were you looking for me ? ” 
Mr. Blanchard laughed as he drew a large envelope 
from his inside coat pocket, then raised a small black 
bag from the floor, and took from it several bundles of 
papers, Peggy meanwhile regarding him with breath- 
less interest. 

I have not the slightest doubt that you are the young 
lady mentioned by my client, but it was necessary to 
make sure, you understand. Miss Beverley, and this be- 
ing acocmplished, I think I may go on to inform you 
that my client, the late Mrs. Emily van Kamp, has left 
you, in her will registered by us on the — er — looking 
back — ^^yes, on the seventh of last April — ^yes, she has 


342 


PRETTYl PEGGY Q 


left you her entire fortune, minus several small legacies 
which will not materially effect your really very val- 
uable inheritance — ^upon which I hope I may congrat- 
ulate you/^ And Mr. Blanchard held out his hand into 
which Peggy laid hers though with little intelligence of 
his meaning. 

You^re very kind/^ she gasped, but I don^t at all 
understand. I didn’t even know Mrs. van Kamp was 
dead. Oh, and I was rude — rude the last time I saw 
her. She asked me so many questions — about how poor 
I was, and all that — and I thought she only meant to 
shame me, and make me go about with her, as — as other 
girls did — so I told her just what my income wa^ but I 
was hateful — and now ! ” And the tears which had 
filled Peggy’s eyes ran down her cheeks, as she looked 
up at the man before her. 

You need have no regrets, my dear Miss Beverley,” 
he assured her, in fact I have often heard Mrs. van 
Kamp say that if she could find a girl who would refuse 
and resent her offers of — well — she called it charity, 
though I feel sure the recipients never allowed the truth 
of the word — that she would make her residuary legatee 
of her entire fortune, so that your resentment may have 
led to the happy fact that you are to-day a young lady 
of great possessions, although the fact that she saw a re- 
semblance between you and her daughter, who died 
when about your age, had something to do with it, too.” 

Did you know Mrs. van Kamp ? I mean — of course 
you knew her — but,” and Peggy hesitated, scarcely 
knowing how to word her question. 

Know her socially ? yes, for more years than I care 
to count,” replied the lawyer smiling. She was a 
strange woman,” he went on slowly, as if thinking. I 
doubt if anyone knows her story, for she hid every sign 
of suffering under a manner which grew more and more 
ungracious, but she had a hard life — do you know any- 
thing about it ? ” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


343 


a word/^ replied Peggy. only met her a 
dozen times, I suppose, while she was visiting Mr. and 
Mrs. Worthington, who bought a place up the river 
here, but every time she insisted upon my joining her 
collection of ^ froggy-toads ^ as she called the girls who 
traveled and lived with her — ^you know?^^ And Peggy 
raised inquiring brows, to which her visitor replied with 
a nod of assent. 

donT believe — ^honest — I don^t believe Pd have 
been so disagreeable,^^ went on Peggy, ^^if she hadn’t 
jeered so at my poverty, and been so certain sure Pd 
have jumped at her offer, but oh. Pm sorry — Pm sorry, 
I wasn’t more obliging and sympathetic. I need not 
have gone — but I might have refused her invitation with 
courtesy. But Pm ashamed to confess I was rude — I 
was perfectly hateful — and Pm a contrite beast ! ” And 
Peggy fumbled for the handkerchief with which she had 
thoughtfully provided herself. 

Hearing Amy’s step Peggy called her, then turning 
to Mr. Blanchard asked, I may tell Amy, mayn’t I ? 
It isn’t a secret, is it ? ” And as Amy entered she said, 
This is my sister, Mr. Blanchard, Amy, and what do 
you think ? Mr. Blanchard has come all this way to tell 
me Mrs. van Kamp has left me her money ! And Mr. 
Blanchard, I’ve been so taken up with my own selfish 
interest, I haven’t asked about the poor lady herself. 
I didn’t even know she was ill. She was here a month 
ago, I think, wasn’t she, Amy ? ” 

^^About then, I believe,” replied Amy, ^^but Peggy, 
Pm dazed. Why, she hardly knew you ! ” And Amy 
clutched Peggy’s arm as if she feared this accession of 
fortune might carry her off bodily. 

Maybe that’s the reason she did it,” answered Peggy 
a little tremulously, then suddenly remembering her 
hospitable duties, she exclaimed, ^^oh Mr. Blanchard, 
I’m thoroughly ashamed of myself! I’ve never even 
had Treason show you to your room, and you must be 


344 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


tired and famished. Do forgive me, but this is the first 
time IVe ever had anything left me — since I was a 
baby, that is — and I^m a little off my balance. Wait, 
Fll call Treason 

Half way across the hall, Peggy caught sight of John 
coming slowly through the kitchen garden, and again 
forgetful of Mr. Blanchard^s needs, she ran out on the 
back piazza, and signaled wildly to attract his attention. 

For once, however, John’s eyes were elsewhere, so un- 
able to control her impatience, Peggy picked up her 
skirts and ran at top speed to meet him. 

^^John,” she gasped, grasping his arm and giving 
him a little shake to insure attention while she regained 
her breath. John, he’s here, and it’s true! Mrs. van 
Kamp has left me oodles and oodles of money, and he’s 
here to stay. Fm just going for Treason now, and John, 
we won’t have to go to Russia and get all chewed up by 
nihilists and wolves, as I always knew we would ! But 
we can go to Europe, and get more clothes ! And John, 
you need never do another lick of work. You shall just 
play all day long, and have a motor car, and everything 
in the world you want. Do John, stop talking, and come 
in and see the lawyer man.” And Peggy, leaving John 
in the hall disappeared into the pantry, where she with 
difficulty aroused Treason from his afternoon nap, and 
sent him to find Spoils, who would see that the best 
guest chamber was ready for occupation by the time 
Treason himself had made and served juleps to the 
two gentlemen in the drawing-room. 

Impressing her message until she was certain 
Treason understood and would attend to it, Peggy re- 
turned to her guest, wondering whether it would be 

manners ” as Maumer called it, to bombard him with 
the hundreds of questions she longed to have answered, 
and realizing helplessly that she would do it anyhow, 
if she got a chance to begin. 

^^Fve been telling Mr. Blanchard the good news 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


345 


Peggy,” cried John as she entered, ^^and you must 
help me keep him for the wedding. Come here and 
be congratulated by one who knows the worth of your 
capture,” and taking her hand, John led the bewild- 
ered girl up to her smiling guest. 

You may guess what a surprise it was to find my 
old friend Jack Beverley down here, and under such 
happy circumstances,” said Mr. Blanchard. ^^Why I 
thought he was away off in the wilds — toting the white 
man^s burden for glory, with lucre as a side issue — and 
here the foxy fellow was, courting the loveliest girl he 
could find in his world-girdling travels, and falling 
into a fortune when it wasn^t needed.” And Mr. 
Blanchard beamed around the group as he accepted 
the long cool glass offered by Treason. 

^^Fm so glad,” smiled Peggy. ^^You wonT feel 
so friendless, John, if you have somebody you\e known 
longer than six months to back you up under the agi- 
tation of the fatal oneth. Do you know,” turning to 
Mr. Blanchard, we’ve been trying to find relations to 
invite; we thought that, being b^oth Beverleys, we’d 
surely come across some forgotten kinsman, and you 
can’t imagine how desperately lonely we feel since 
we’ve failed.” 

If the report of Mrs. van Kamp’s legacy gets out, 
I’m afraid you’ll have many applicants for relationship,” 
cautioned the lawyer. Be warned in time, and refer 
all such cases to me — ^that is,” he corrected hastily, if 
our firm is to have the honor of continuing in your ser- 
vice.” 

Do we need lawyers ? ” asked Peggy in such awe- 
stricken tones that her listeners laughed aloud, as they 
assured her the necessity of such possessions. 

^^Wliy, you’ve got to get a nice tame one — not like 
Blanchard here— he’s more of an out door lawyer, whose 
show of teeth will generally secure you the seclusion so 
much desired by the wealthy ones of the parth. He’ll 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


346 

put an effectual stop to importunities of the poor — ^the 
foolish poor, who are cold and hungry and sick — ^not 
those known as ^ deserving ^ who have been carefully 
deodorized before presentation/^ 

Murder ! cried Peggy. ISTow I know you^re just 
joking, but oh, doesn^t it make your heart ache when you 
think of the undeserving poor ? I tell you,” and Peggy^s 
face flamed with determination, as she fronted her three 
hearers, tell you, that if this poor woman has left 
me enough money for any charity that doesn^t begin 
and end at home. Pm going to help the undeserving 
poor. I don^t blame them a bit for not dressing up in 
their same old rags and going to Church where they 
feel theyfll be sneered at. Their social prestige is as 
much to them as ours is to us, and if the poor creatures 
spend a few nickels to gain the warmth and deadening 
effect of whiskey, why weM do the same in their place. 
I know I should ! ” And Peggy brought up with a gasp. 

^^We can well imagine you — rags to the fore, and 
whiskey bottle rampant,” laughed J ohn. But in your 
defence of the undeserving though poverty stricken, 
don^t forget this pauper. Eemember Blanchard, Pve 
claimed precedence — poor and undeserving, I simply 
revel in the desired attributes.” 

Pll make a note,” assured Mr. Blanchard. 

^^ And meanwhile,” said Peggy, we’re keeping poor 
Mr. Blanchard from his room. Will you show it to him 
J ohn ? The one you had when you were ill here, or call 
Treason if you’ve forgotten the way.” 

Why, Pll take him to Paradise with me, of course,” 
said John warmly. Paradise, you must know, is the 
place Charlie Worthington bought up the river here,” 
he explained, ^^and I accepted his invitation to spend 
the winter with him. (Pd been ill out there in Africa, 
and the sawbones insisted on a year’s rest.) So I came 
down here, and met my fate. But as for attending to 
orders and resting — I never worked so hard in my life. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


347 


Why, Pve been hot foot after Miss Beverley since the 
first day I saw her, and I won^t feel entirely certain that 
Pve caught np until I get her clamped hard and fast, 
by a ring/^ 

Rings donT hold these days, boy,” scoffed the law- 
yer. We have the open sesame for every case, so don’t 
be cast down Miss Beverley, if Jack grows tiresome, 
we’ll fix him — before he knows he’s in danger.” And 
Mr. Blanchard, while he smiled across at Peggy, won- 
dered in his heart whether any man, who had once 
gained the love of such a woman, could turn from her 
to the lawless passion which sells itself to the highest 
bidder. 

But John’s an unfortunate person, Mr. Blanchard,” 
answered Peggy. I’ve warned him — and listen 
John — I’m warning you again, that we’re in South 
Carolina, and being a South Carolinean, I don’t believe 
in any open sesame but death. So if he once puts his 
head in the noose which yawns for him, he’ll have to 
leave it there until Heaven has mercy upon him. So 
don’t say you haven’t been given your chance to escape, 
John, in the presence of witnesses.” 

And now I’ll take one witness up stairs that he may 
remove the dust of travel,” announced John. ^^Blan- 
chard, although you will sleep at Paradise, you will be 
wise to follow my example, and spend your waking 
hours, including those sacred to the satisfaction of ap- 
petite, under the roof which now shelters you. Come 
along, you may accept the hospitality of a room this 
once, and I’ll go along to see that you aren’t lost forever 
in the mazes of the second story.” 

Supper a thing of the past, the two men smoked their 
cigars on the piazza with Peggy, and Miss Selina dozed 
in the library, while Amy brought her guitar and sang 
with the happy unconsciousness of effort so observable 
in both girls. As she sat running her fingers lightly 
over the strings, John said, Peggy, the first time I 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


348 

ever saw you, you were sculling a boat past Paradise, 
and singing something about a swinging chariot — do you 
remember it? I wish youM sing it again please — ^the 
thing haunted me for weeks ” 

IPs an old SpirituaV^ replied Peggy. One of the 
very sweetest I think. Many of them have beautiful 
music, but the words aren^t nearly so good. In this 
one, they don^t really mean anything, beyond a general 
hope for something better after death. Is this the 
one?^^ And Peggy sang the old Spiritual so widely 
known on the plantations which fringe the South At- 
lantic Coast. 

“ Swing low, sweet chariot, 

Chariot de come for me 
Swing low, sweet chariot, 

Chariot de come for me. 

Oh dig my grave 
With a silver spade. 

And a golden chain 
Gwine let me down.'' 

Is that all ? asked Mr. Blanchard, I hoped for a 
dozen verses. The melody is wonderful, although I be- 
lieve that you and your sister could make anything beau- 
tiful. I canT tell you how much Pve enjoyed it.^^ 

Well, iPs time to tear you away from such pleasant 
surroundings, and pilot you to Paradise,^^ said John 
rising, and possessing himself of Peggy^s hand in the 
darkness. 

Mr. Blanchard rose obediently, then laughed. Is it 
really true,^^ he asked, that Pm to be allowed to leave 
with absolutely no question as to the amount of this 
fortune which has fallen to Miss Beverley? Doesn’t 
anybody care how much it is, and where iPs invested, 
and to look into the matter generally? I understand 
Beverley’s attitude — ^he doesn’t want to seem pr3dng 
into his fiancee’s business-^but I’ve been waiting and 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


349 


wondering all the evening at the utter absence of curi- 
osity I expected from the happy legatee, at any rate/^ 

DonT think I^m not interested/^ cried Peggy, but 
I told you before I^m not accustomed to inheriting 
things, and I donT know how to act under the circum- 
stances. I long to know how much — down to the last 
penny — but I was afraid of hurting your feelings if I 
asked. But I hinted, didn’t I ? If you knew the foxy 
way I tried to lure you into the discussion of finance 
all through supper, you’d have been so sorry for me that 
you’d have burst into arithmetic without keeping me on 
tenter hooks a moment longer. 

Excuse my blindness — or deafness — or stupidity — 
I expect this last is the correct word, but I won’t keep 
you waiting to discuss it. If you will come indoors to 
the light, I think I can tell you — within a million or 
so — the amount of your inheritance.” 

Million or so ! John stand close. If I faint I don’t 
want to kill myself on this unfeeling fioor — I want to 
spend something first ! Oh what a brute I am to talk 
about spending the poor woman’s money when I was so 
rude to her the last time she was here. And I thought 
she hated me ! She looked as if she would have cheer- 
fully jabbed a hat pin into me — ^up to the hilt — and I 
hadn’t an idea she meant it for a show of affection ! ” 

She determined to punish you Peg, so she has given 
you over to your own conscience,” said Amy, ^^but I 
think you’ll be able to stand that — for the price — I 
should, and if anybody disbelieves me, let them try! 
Oh Peggy, now you can do all the lovely things we used 
to talk about, only,” and Amy’s face betrayed a sort of 
ludicrous disappointment — ^^I suppose you won’t take 
much interest, after you’re married.” 

I don’t see why not,” said John sturdily, I’m not 
such a spoilsport as that, am I? I declare, Blanchard, 
I’m so knocked down and stamped on by these spin- 
sters — they assure me they’re spinsters, not old maids — 


350 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


it seems there’s a difference — ^but between them I 
haven’t a spark of vanity left.” 

Oh do, you people,” broke in Peggy, I want to 
ask Mr. Blanchard a question. Mr. Blanchard, in the 
things — ^gear, you know — that Mrs. van Kamp has left 
me, are there any houses? I once heard she had so 
many houses that she was never at home in any of them. 
Are they mine now ? I’m not asking impertinent ques- 
tions, am I?” 

On the contrary,” he assured her. Yes, Miss Bev- 
erley, you have inherited four magnificent houses — one 
in New York, one in Newport, one at Tuxedo, and one 
on a ranch in the Santa Clara valley in California ; and 
besides, she has left you an income you will find it hard 
to spend, though I’ve no doubt you will find great pleas- 
ure in the attempt. But with all her efforts Mrs. van 
Kamp could never get through it, and it rolled up into 
something stupendous in spite of her ; a circumstance on 
which I offer my heartfelt congratulations.” 

Well, good-night, and thank you,” said Peggy. I 
know you are tired, and we’ll have a general investiga- 
tion to-morrow. Good-night,” and the two men, fol- 
lowed by Treason carrying the suit case and black bag, 
disappeared into the darkness. 


351 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

TJisro'' Doctor^ are you at home ? called Peggy from 
the step leading into Dr. Martineau^s oflBce. 

There was a scrambling noise — ^then the door was 
wrenched open, and the doctors beaming face shone out 
upon his visitor. ^ 

Come in — come in, child — he cried, drawing her 
into the room and setting a chair with the old-fashioned 
gallantry he would have scorned to change just because 
it was not the manner of the moment. His father had 
taught him how ladies should be treated, and his father 
knew, and not for fear or favor would his father^s son 
swerve from the teachings of his youth. 

Seating himself on the rickety couch which formed 
the greater part of his office furniture. Dr. Martineau 
smiled happily into the lovely face opposite. 

What can I do for Pretty Peggy 0 this morning? 
he inquired, it^s not often I have the honor of a visit 
at this hour, — had breakfast ? 

Long ago Sir Lazy-Bonyness, and Pve come over to 
tell you a great big fat juicy secret — aren’t you glad? 
Don’t you love secrets? Look at me Dockelly — do you 
see any change in the Peggy of to-day — from the Peggy 
of yesterday ? ” And the Peggy of to-day left the chair 
of honor for a seat on the complaining sofa, and held 
her face close to his for inspection. 

There are some people,” observed the doctor wisely, 
who never change but for the better and you’re one of 
’em. Lady bird, so give your old uncle a morning kiss 
and out with the news.” 

Peggy flung her arms around his neck to the great 


352 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


detriment of an easily rumpled collar, and kissing him 
heartily cried, ^^now, is it the same old kissing bug? 
Sure you don’t notice a difference ? ” 

Not a bit,” he replied, but Pll try again — in the 
interests of science 

^^Poor old line’ Billy-boy — I won’t tease you — ^lis- 
ten — Pm rich as Croesus — or Dives — or mud — or any 
old thing that simply drips richness ! ” 

Huh ? ” inquired the doctor, with a sound between 
a snort and a neigh. 

Yes,” assented Peggy, and if I didn’t know you’d 
burst into smithereens with curiosity, I’d make you 
guess, but I haven’t the heart. Honest, Dockelly, Mrs. 
van Kamp is dead, and has left me millions upon mil- 
lions — all for Pretty Peggy 0 ! ” 

^^Look here, daughterkin, this matrimony business 
has turned your brain. When did you begin to think 
about this — this — legacy?” and the old man regarded 
her with such anxiety, that Peggy choked with mirth. 

Wait a second. I’ll produce a witness,” she said, and 
going to the door, beckoned to John, who was sitting on 
the horse block, and waiting for the signal. 

John,” cried Peggy when she had him safely housed, 
^^tell Uncle Doctor about it. He thinks I’m feeble in 
my mind, as old Nana used to say. Tell him I’m a real 
true for true heiress, and that you’re the fortunate pos- 
sessor of the possessor of fortune ! Dear me, that’s won- 
derfully well put — I think money must agree with me ! ” 
and Peggy laughed gaily. 

It’s true sir,” said John simply, in response to Dr. 
Martineau’s bewildered look. Blanchard, an old col- 
lege friend of mine, came down yesterday to tell Peggy 
she is made residuary legatee to all Mrs. van Kamp’s 
fortune, and from what he says, and from what I 
know — or rather, from what I know of her reputation 
for wealth — there’s a lot of it.” 

Yes, and John’s grouchy,” cried Peggy. Think of 


353 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

a man who has kept vowing he wanted to marry a 
poor girl, and when he incidentally finds ont she has 
money, trying to throw her over. Dockelly — and 
Peggy linked her arm through J ohn’s — please tell this 
foolish boy that we donT think him a fortune hunter, 
I do believe,^^ and Peggy^s eyes filled with tears, that 
he^s just tired, and taking this opportunity to shake 
me — well, he shanT ! and Miss Beverley gave the arm 
she held a squeeze which might be interpreted as either 
spiteful or affectionate, as the besqueezed one desired. 

Dr. Martineau, you know how I feel about iV^ said 
John gravely, ^^you know I ought to give Peggy a year 
to look around her. She has met so few people that I 
feel a cad to take advantage of her ignorance 

Here, you come along, John Beverley, we’ll have 
this out alone,” said Peggy wrathfully. IJncle Doctor, 
come over to dinner, won’t you? I want you to meet 
Mr. Blanchard. We’ll be over our fracas by then, I 
think, but if we aren’t, just have the fragments that re- 
main gathered into separate baskets — remember, sep- 
arate baskets, and decently interred, won’t you please? 
And I leave my money all to Amy with you as executor, 
and the executor has got to take big pickings for ex- 
ecuting — So now I’ve wound up my Estate. Come 
on J ohn, I see your finish ! ” 

Peggy ran lightly down the steps and awaited her 
unhappy cavalier in the road. Don’t let’s wrangle out 
here where the eye of the world — as exemplified by 
Miss Lovey Overholme — can gloat over our anti-matri- 
monial squabbles,” she cautioned. So if you can’t 
smile and pretend you don’t mind being married, sup- 
pose you whistle — that’ll give you the opportunity you 
crave to make a face at me, and at the same time, pull 
wool over the eyes, and ears, (if they’re in luck) of the 
neighborhood.” And Peggy skimmed over the ground 
so quickly, that before her advice could be taken, and 
John’s features got in sufficient control to permit of 


354 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


continued puckering, they reached the gate leading into 
the kitchen garden, and once inside. Miss Beverley so 
increased the pace that her companion's efforts at con- 
versation were futile through lack of breath. 

^^Let^s go to the circular room, we^re safe there,^^ 
whispered Peggy, as they hesitated a moment at the 
back door. Then tiptoeing across the hall like con- 
spirators, they reached that haven in safety, and when 
the door was closed, knew themselves free from inter- 
ruption for as long as they chose to remain in seclusion. 

John threw his hat on the table, and stood by the 
mantel looking moodily into the cavernous chimney 
place, and Peggy eyed him with some anxiety as, walk- 
ing over to a mirror she pushed her hair into a more 
successful pile, and gave little touches to the stray ring- 
lets which fell across her forehead. 

Then giving herself a little shake, she marched boldly 
over to her moody lover, and taking his arm laid it care- 
fully around her waist, placing the other so they would 
meet, then with her own arms around his neck, and her 
head on his breast, Peggy said, 

^^Now go on, John — say it — if you really and truly 
don^t want to marry me, I wouldn^t have you do it for 
the world. I^d rather die than do you such an injury, 
but if you love me, as I thought you did, oh John, don^t 
be a goose gaby, and perhaps ruin both our lives. For 
though I want to marry you John, I^m ashamed to say 
how dreadfully I want to marry you — ^yet if you don^t 
want me to, why I donH want to lots more than you. 
And 1^11 give you your liberty this minute if you can 
look me in the eye and tell me you want to be free. 
This is your chance John — the last call for freedom — 
so say it, if you want to ! And Peggy threw back her 
head and looked up at him with an expression he had 
never seen on her face before. 

Peggy, you know I^m breaking my heart by offering 
to give you up,^^ he began. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


355 


Then why do you do it ? ” cried Peggy. I declare 
John, I think you pretty mean to beg me to love you, 
and when I do, you talk about giving me up. I know 
what^s the matter with you John, you^re trying to be a 
hero on a highly novel plan, but you’re just showing 
yourself up as a morbid goose. Now answer me, John 
Beverley, do you love me as much as you did, well, any 
time between Christmas and Easter — do you ? ” 

“ More. I love you better every day I live,” groaned 
John. Sweetheart, I only suggest postponement for 
your own sake. If you should ever turn 

But I’m not going to turn — and I’m going to be 
married on Wednesday week — ^no matter what you’re 
going to do. There are two men within easy riding, who 
wouldn’t raise a wrinkle about marrying me if they 
got a chance — oh John, you know I’m talking non- 
sense — and you’re acting worse nonsense. Do get off 
your high horse, and let’s go along happily together. 
If you won’t take me rich. I’ll give the money to — 
to — ^’Te Lulu — she’ll take it without any scruples — 
and then you’ll have to take me poor, being without your 
high and mighty excuse. But you’ve just got to put up 
with me and the money too. Be a good boy John, 
please — ^please,” and Peggy drew his face close to hers, 
and spoke with her lips on his. 

Sweetheart, I’m a weakling, but I can’t help it. 
There’s no use talking about giving you up. I knew 
all the time I could never do it, I only suggested it 
from a sense of duty, and I’ve been miserable for fear 
you’d agree. But Peggy darling, I’ve found out some- 
thing. You love me Peggy, and you weren’t quite 
sure before, eh little wife ? ” 

Peggy burrowed her head against his coat, and an- 
swered with her face hidden. ^^I knew, of course 
John, but I was afraid that — ^never having been in 
love with anybody else — I might have mistaken friend- 
ship, you know, or some Platonic affection — 


356 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Not on yonr life, sweetheart, we’ll have nothing to 
do with Plato,” assured John. 

That’s what I think, though I never knew what 
Platonic meant anyhow. It is one of the many words I 
use without the faintest knowledge of their meaning. 
I’ve got into hot water on several occasions, by some 
of these expressions, but it’s hard to know what to do 
when the word seems to fit the statement. Well, after 
this. I’ll have you to explain things. Oh John, aren’t 
you happy to be friends again ? ” 

Happy ! I haven’t words. Deeds must speak for 
me — 

Just show me some other time — at dinner for in- 
stance — I’ve simply got to tell Chloe to have shrimp 
pie for Uncle Doctor, and I know I’m needed in the 
sewing-room. As for you, where’s the friend of your 
boyhood? I never saw such a man — ^you find an ac- 
quaintance behind every stump. Do go and pump that 
lawyer man about our possessions — tell him I told you 
to — and find out how much we’re worth. And John, 
I’m going to have him make my will at once, and leave 
everything to you. Oh yes I will, I’ll have to. I don’t 
know another creature to leave it to, so you’ll be still 
protesting. Now if you’ll be a nice friendly little 
boy, and play pretty with the lawyer man, I’ll kiss you 
good-bye,” and Peggy picked up her hat preparatory 
to departure. 

All right, I’ll be virtue’s best exponent,” declared 
tlohn, bending for the promised caress, then catching 
her in his arms, he kissed her eyes and cheeks and 
mouth, before she could escape. 

That’s your good boy behavior, is it?” she cried. 

Oh John I wish you could have seen how funny 
you looked, when you thought I was going to be hateful, 
I suppose. Don’t you know by this time, that I’m 
never hateful when it’s expected of me? But if you’d 
seen ! ” And Peggy’s laugh was so infectious, that 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 357 

John, although he had not seen, joined in, and they 
laughed until helpless at each othePs laughter. 

The last cloud has gone,^^ announced Peggy, 
rising and wiping her eyes. ^^Pm ofiE, on duty bent, 
so do find your lawyer man, and pump!'* And with 
this valedictory, she departed kitchenward, while John 
turned toward the piazza in search of his victim. 

Uncle Doctor,^^ said Peggy, as they took possession 
of the shady side piazza after dinner, did I tell you I 
had a letter from Mrs. McLane, and that theyfil all 
be here on Saturday 

^^Darn Devil, I’m glad to hear that,” cried the old 
man genially. ^^Yery glad. You won’t mind having 
them in the house while you’re so busy, daughter? 
Because if you find them troublesome. I’ll put Ritter 
and Felix up. I don’t know whether my sister would 
consider our menage up to the McLane standard, and 
she might not care to have a woman around — I 
couldn’t say until I asked her — for I never think of 
such things myself. I’m awfully lax, you know 
daughterkin, and a sharp thorn in my poor sister’s 
side.” And the worthy doctor passed his hands over 
his head until his gray hair stood erect, which, in 
conjunction with the kindly face beneath, gave him the 
appearance of a meek and affectionate savage upon the 
war path. 

You are the best man Miss Martineau or anybody 
else ever knew,” asserted Peggy, ^^but you needn’t 
worry about the McLanes. They can have their old 
rooms, and if any wandering guest should turn up, 
there are other rooms which can be used on a pinch — 
’Te Lulu’s, you know — and those two smallish ones 
at the back. Besides, there are the four dormer cham- 
bers on the third floor — they’re plenty good enough to 
use, and John could house a regiment at Paradise. So 
don’t fret about the few visitors we’ll have to take 
care of.” 


358 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Have you heard anything of Mrs. Beverley asKed 
the doctor, sinking his voice to a whisper, as if the 
good lady might hear and resent his question. 

Not a word,^^ replied Peggy with equal awe. 

She just melted into the landscape, and for anything 
we know, she may have vanished — blown away.” 

^^It would be a pretty strong wind to upset that 
lady^s hold on terra firma,” said the doctor. Suppose 
she turns up for the wedding, eh? She^s game to do 
it, if she hears the date.” 

Oh Dockelly, I hope not,” said Peggy earnestly. 

I want to say something to you about that. I always 
forget it when I^m with you, and remember the moment 
you^re out of call. IPs this,” and Peggy drew her 
chair up to his, that she might speak in the lowered 
tone which a discussion of Mrs. Beverley^s possibilities 
always seemed to demand. 

You see, IJnc^ Billy Boy, I^m going to leave things 
just as they are, and Selina will live here in the room 
she has now, and see that the house is aired and the 
garden kept in order, and Maumer and her triplets 
will go on just as usual. I couldn^t turn them off, 
could I Dockelly? They^re home folk, so Pve arranged 
to have the place ready for us to come back to at any 
moment.” 

ThaPs right, and the sooner you come the better,” 
agreed Dr. Martineau heartily. 

^^Yes, I know,” said Peggy. ^^But how about it if 
^Te Lulu comes down like a wolf on the fold, eh? 
Selina would have no more chance with ^Te Lulu than 
my pussy kitten would have with — ^with — a tigress of 
purest Bengal stripes serene,” and Peggy paused for 
comment on her adaptation of metaphor, but Dr. 
Martineau was too much interested in the situation 
suggested to him, to take notice of stray parts of 
speech, so Peggy resumed. 

And if she does come, and insist on staying, Selina 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


359 


must run for you, and you, my poor downtrodden 
darling child, will have to betake yourself to the war 
path, and send her flying across the horizon. You 
don^t mind much, do you? For you know in your 
heart you dearly love a shindy, don^t you now?^^ and 
Peggy gave the old man^s hand an affectionate squeeze. 

Maybe I do. Pretty Peggy 0, maybe I do,^^ as- 
sented the shindy lover with a twinkle in his eye which 
spoke of recollections not entirely peaceful. ^^But I 
don^t like fussing with a woman, Peggy. No matter 
how much they need the licking, they’ll never get it 
from me. It’s physical, I think, I simply can't/" and 
the doctor ran his fingers through his hair with start- 
ling results. 

^^Well, I hope she won’t come, but if she does, re- 
member Pretty Peggy 0 expects Dr. Martineau to do 
his duty. Couldn’t you make a sort of inspired dog- 
gerel from that beginning? See how Peggy 0 and 
Martineau rhyme. I wish you were a poet Dockelly! 
I’ve always longed for a book with ^compliments of 
the author’ written inside, and I never met a person 
who had written so much as a receipt book in my life. 
We’re an awfully dumb set, aren’t we?” 

^^Dumb! John do you hear this? Peggy says she’s 
dumb ! ” And with many appreciative chuckles Dr. 
Martineau kissed the dumb one, and proceeded on his 
round of afternoon visits. 


360 


PRETTY PEGGX Q 


CHAPTER XXX. 

like coming home/^ said Mrs. McLane with a 
contented sigh, as she came out upon the piazza which 
was shaded by blossoming laurel trees, and swept by 
the sea breeze. 

This is quite the loveliest place I know,^^ she con- 
tinued, ^^and each season is more beautiful than the 
other. I^m glad you aren^t going to shut it up Peggy, 
it will seem like going back on a dear friend to leave 
it dark and deserted.^^ 

^^Yes,^^ assented Peggy with a little shiver, 
feel exactly like that about it. Pve had so few people to 
love in my life, that Fm afraid Fve cared too much 
for the walls that have sheltered the kin I never knew. 
But Pm a wretch to bleat about my loneliness when Pm 
such a lucky, luclcy woman, and Peggy forced her 
trembling lips into a smile. 

You are such a sunbeam, that I cannot imagine 
you suffering from loneliness,^^ and the elder woman 
laid her arm affectionately around the girFs waist, as 
they paced slowly down the walk to the seat on the 
bluff. 

I ought never to think of anything but my bless- 
ings, for my life is full of them,^^ replied Peggy earn- 
estly. But just this one time let me speak out, and 
tell you how bitterly I miss my mother. Oh Mrs. 
McLane — ^you have Felix, so maybe you can under- 
stand. I always missed her — she died when I was 
born you know — and Daddy was everything to me — 
the kindest, truest, dearest friend on earth, but I missed 
mothering, and never so much as now, when, since I^ve 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


361 


found somebody to be devoted to me, I realize more 
than ever how forlorn I was before. Did you ever 
know such a perverse creature ? 

^^IPs very natural dear child/^ said Mrs. McLane. 

You\e waked up, thaPs all, and though I don’t think 
a mother’s place can ever be really filled, thank God for 
a loving husband, Peggy. I know, my dear, for my 
husband and I loved each other so dearly, that since 
his death my life has only been worth livifig because 
of Felix.” And the tears brimmed over the sweet faded 
eyes, which, though they seemed looking far away into 
the sunset, saw neither glowing cloud nor tender shadow, 
but only the husband of her youth — the man who had 
loved her, and whom she still loved with the con- 
stancy which whispers across the chasm of the grave — 
and piercing the silence of death, tells of lives again 
united, and happiness never limited by fear of parting. 

I’ve been interviewing Stratagem, Beauty Bride,” 
cried Felix, appearing on the old moss-covered cement 
steps which led from the beach, and I’ve got his word 
for it that the tide will suit for bathing at ten-thirty, 
and my own observation tells me there’ll be moonlight 
on the face of the waters at that hour. Are we too much 
overcome by approaching matrimony to take a dip in the 
briny?” and Felix sat himself down at Peggy’s feet, 
having first spread out as much of her frock as he could 
secure, as a protection against grass stains. For you 
know, Peggy dear,” he assured her gravely, you’d be 
awfully hard hit in your hospitality if you saw me 
coming toward you in all the pride of my Easter frivols^ 
and then walking oS with a bright green souvenir — as 
big as a dinner plate — just where my coat-tails give up 
the struggle, and part to meet no more. Now wouldn’t 
you ? ” 

Poor Fe, you’re welcome ! The thought of your 
possible decoration makes me quite limp,” replied Peggy 
laughing. ^^Do you often suffer in your wardrobe % 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


362 

such returns to mother earth? You seem to know all 
about it, and speak feelingly — as if from experience/^ 

^^Ah, you donT know all Fve suffered/^ said Felix, 
with a sigh which seemed endless. ^^You think Pve 
nothing to mourn but the pangs of unrequited affection, 
and little know a sorrow this moment gnawing at my 
vitals ! By the way Mums, where are my vitals ? You 
ought to know the geography of your only child, so speak 
out Madre, before mine are gone — chewed up — by the 
appetite which can scarcely wait for supper.^^ 

Mrs. McLane smiled, and Peggy answered, ^^Pm 
afraid you didnT study your little book when you went 
gunning for knowledge, Felix love. If youM been a good 
attentive boy, your teacher would have had you all dia- 
gramed — in red ink — and when you wanted to know the 
answer to a question like that, all youM have to do would 
be to seek the seclusion of your own chamber, and 
proudly make friends with the vitals for which you are 
now in search, and which. I’ll help you along by hint- 
ing, you’ll find cheek by jowl with your bashful giz- 
zard.” 

You are indeed a person of infinite acquirement,” 
said Felix, and so far as I can see, it’s growing on you. 
But you wouldn’t make a good school marm, beauteous 
Peg. Every scholar would be a declared lover in a week, 
and there’d be no room for girls in your academy — ^the 
boys would fill the building — from turret to foundation 
stone there’d be nothing heard but lover’s litany. Wo- 
men haven’t any right to be as beautiful as Peggy, have 
they Mammy? She ought to divvy with half a dozen 
girls — it’s not fair.” 

If Peggy’s head were not very sensibly placed, she’d 
have had it turned long ago,” replied his mother smil- 
ing. 

^^And don’t you believe other girls would like any- 
body’s looks but their own,” broke in Peggy. Here’s 
a case in question coming now,” she continued hur- 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


363 

riedly — Here’s Cissy Draper whose eyes are small — 
whose mouth is large — whose coloring is quite ordinary, 
and whose figure is pounds beyond normal, yet I don’t 
know anybody so entirely satisfied with nature’s handi- 
work, or more scathing in her judgment of other people’s 
appearance,” and Peggy wound up breathless. 

You’re jealous!” crowed Felix. ^^I’ll wager Bev- 
erley has been making sheep’s eyes — or what a gloat for 
Cissy!” 

I’m not,” cried Peggy furiously, but in the guarded 
tone necessary to escape Miss Draper’s hearing. 
never was jealous in my life, and if John had made eyes, 
they wouldn’t have been silly sheepses! You’re too 
foolish for consideration,” and between anger and re- 
luctant laughter, the face Peggy turned upon the new 
arrival was of uncommon rosiness. 

^^Why, what are you blushing for?” cried Miss 
Draper. ^^I’m so glad to see you back Mrs. McLane, 
and you too,” giving her hand to Felix. Saints and 
sinners Peg, you looked like a boiled lobster in tomato 
sauce when I came up. I suppose you had your loving 
eye out for Mr. Beverley, and objected to me as a sub- 
stitute, eh ? ” And Cissy’s laugh was loud and hearty. 

I’ve come over to hear all about everything,” she de- 
clared, and to make some suggestions which you may 
take or leave as you feel inclined. I haven’t the slightest 
feeling on the subject myself, I only thought I’d offer. 
Oh here’s the blushing bridegroom — ^how are you bear- 
ing up Mr. Beverley ? ” 

Yon don’t notice anything craven in my appearance, 
do you?” cried John. ^^If I had thought about it at 
all, I’d have said I looked fairly bursting with pride — 
that’s the truth, anyhow.” 

Wait a year or two,” cautioned Miss Draper sagely. 

You’ll sing a different song I expect 

^^May I introduce Mr. Blanchard, Miss Draper?” 
interrupted Peggy. You know Dr. McLane, I think ? ” 


364 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Only by sight/^ said Cissy, shaking the doctors 
hand with strong-armed friendliness. Hello Amy, 
why the circle is complete, and Miss Draper looked 
around complacently. 

She had designed her visit with a view to the en- 
couragement of any tender feeling Felix might entertain 
for her, and the addition of the New York lawyer was a 
boon from fortune which might be but the precursor of 
future favors. Cissy remembered with approval the ap- 
pearance she had regarded in the mirror so long and 
anxiously before leaving home, and decided that her 
opportunity had come, and her victims were before her. 
All she had to do was to take possession of the goods so 
opportunely provided. 

Do you mind speaking of the fatal day, in com- 
pany she asked Peggy, when they had seated them- 
selves — mostly on the ground — and Dr. McLane had 
been made comfortable with the footstool, Amy had 
brought with her. 

No, of course noV^ answered Peggy in surprise. 
^^Why should 

Oh, I donT know, only I thought girls were generally 
kittenish about that sort of thing, but you were always 
different from the rest of us, wasnT she Amy? If I 
didnT know it was just your natural manner, Fd think 
you were awfully haughty. Peg, I would indeed ! and 
Miss Draper smiled at her audience, hoping she looked 
more comfortable than she felt, for, having restricted 
her thirty-inch waist into a twenty-four inch waist- 
band, she found a seat upon the ground as uncomfortable 
as she feared it was unbecoming. 

You see, Peggy,^^ she went on, as youYe the only 
Johnny Morgan who plays the organ in Oglethorpe, Ma 
and I have been wondering what you^d do for music — 
for I suppose Amy will be in the procession, and any- 
how, youVe never tackled the organ, have you, Amelia ? 

No,^^ replied Amy, while Peggy said quietly, Mr. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 365 

McLane is going to help us out, and iPs awfully good 
of you Felix, smiling at the man beside her. 

^^Well, thaPs settled then,^^ and Cissy cast a disap- 
proving eye over at Peggy, who seemed to be poaching on 
her preserves, and by no means so retiring and devoid 
of interest as young women whose future is assured, 
should be. 

But laying this criticism aside for examination at a 
more convenient season, she continued: 

I^m awfully glad Mr. McLane can play. I never 
thought of him when I was wondering what youM do, 
and I was going to offer to sing — some of the usual 
things, ^ 0 promise me,^ or ^ Voice that breathed,^ or any- 
thing you might suggest — but that wonT be necessary 
now,^^ stopping a moment for some signs of denial, but 
as her hearers remained dumb. Cissy resumed the thread 
of her discourse. How about flowers Peggy ? Have 
you made any arrangements?^^ she asked, though of 
course if iPs a secret, Ifll take back the question.^^ 

Of course it isnT a secret. There^s nothing to be 
secret abouV^ replied Peggy, who underneath the pleas- 
ant smile with which she regarded Miss DrapePs efforts 
to effect an entrance into the bridal party, was vowing 
in her heart that if she succeeded, it would be over the 
dead body of the bride. 

Well, if you havenT thought about decoration — and 
for my part, it always seemed a tremendous waste of 
time for the few minutes they^re on view — still, iPs part 
of the ceremony, I suppose, and I thought, if youM like 
it, Pd get my Sunday school scholars, and we’d go ahead 
and strew roses and things down the aisle. I read of 
something like that in an English wedding, and it struck 
me as altogether new and different. What do you think, 
eh?” And Miss Draper looked around her with the 
consciousness of playing fairy godmother to the little 
country mouse who had somehow become a person of im- 
portance, whom it might pay to take up and patronize. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


366 

^^You^re awfully good Cissy — ^just as kind as pos- 
sible — said Peggy, not daring to look up for fear of 
giving way to the laughter which, however, trembled in 
her voice — ^^but Pm afraid Pd trip if I tried to walk 
on roses, and think of my undignified appearance on 
all fours in the aisle ! ” And Peggy^s laugh rang out so 
merrily that even the disappointed Cissy joined, and con- 
sidering the joke entirely on Peggy, was by no means 
dissuaded in her determination to become one of the 
inner circle, though she was vexed she had not realized 
the importance of the event, and begun her attack long 
before. 

"Pm really awfully obliged for your kind offers, 
Cissy,^^ said Peggy, who felt she had possibly been un- 
gracious in her reception of Miss DrapePs ideas. 

Oh, thaPs all right,^^ replied Cissy good-naturedly. 
" I only wanted to be of use — do call on me if I can do 
anything to help — and with a roll and a bounce, end- 
ing with a breathless scramble. Miss Draper regained an 
erect position, and prepared to take leave. 

" Speaking of kindness,^^ she remarked to the com- 
pany in general, "I fiatter myself I did do something 
for you a few days ago. I knew you were all so busy 
that you wouldnT take time to go into detail, so I just 
sat down and wrote everything I knew, and a lot more 
that Pd only heard, to poor Mrs. Beverley. She has sent 
Ma several such pleasant notes since she left, but Ma 
always puts off answering letters till the time never 
comes to begin, so I sailed in. I even told her — and by 
the way, iPs all over Oglethorpe, Peggy — ^that Miss 
Martineau heard you tell the doctor you^d been left a 
tremendous fortune — millions — Miss Martineau insists 
on it ! So I gave Mrs. Beverley the pleasure of thinking 
it true, for the poor soul doesn^t seem to be enjoying her 
holiday much. You don^t want to Tess up about the 
money, I suppose, eh ? 

" There^s nothing to confess — at least there’s nothing 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


367 

especially private/^ replied Peggy. Miss Martineau is 
quite correct. I went over to tell Uncle Doctor about it 
as soon as I realized the truth of it myself.” 

Do you mean iPs true about the millions f and 
Cissy^s jaw dropped and her mouth hung open until 
John was reminded of a wooden nut-cracker dear- to his 
infancy, while Felix with difficulty refrained from mak- 
ing it a target, and firing acorns into the aperture. 

Well! '' exploded the astonished Cissy. Millions f 
dropping the word as if it weighed a ton. Yet you 
look just as natural! When did it happen?” and Miss 
Draper emphasized her words with a vigor which seemed 
the only outlet for emotions almost too intense for pub- 
lic indulgence. 

Only a few days ago,” replied Peggy smiling. And 
you needn’t think me as calm about it as I look. Pm 
taking it quietly because no amount of racket would be- 
gin to do justice to my feelings.” 

^^But Miss Martineau said Mrs. van Kamp — that 
painted old harridan who stayed at Paradise — left it to 
you, though she hardly knew you — is that true ? ” And 
Cissy turned a look upon the fortunate legatee which 
spoke as with tongues of her opinion anent that lady’s 
misguided judgment. 

Peggy nodded in answer, and said gently, she was 
very kind, much kinder than I had any idea of. I wish 
I could thank her 

Zion, what a chance I missed I ” And Cissy almost 
choked with the necessity of repression. ^^And of all 
people in the world. Peg Beverley, you’re the last girl 
I’d have believed it of. Well, I’m sure I congratulate 
you, but you must have boot-licked the lady to her heart’s 
content ! Good-bye, call on me if you need help about 
anything.” 

Will you pardon me. Miss Draper,” said Mr. Blan- 
chard, as Cissy turned to go, ^^I must set this affair 
straight, and as I’m the only person who can speak with 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


368 

authority, let me do so now, please. Mrs. van Kamp 
was my friend as well as my client, and I know for a fact 
that she was sick at heart because of the constant def- 
erence given her for her money^s sake. You probably 
met some of the young ladies who formed her house- 
hold?^^ 

Cissy was too much upset for speech. The knowledge 
that this man, whose appearance suited her thoroughly, 
and who impressed her with the sense of having both 
wealth and power, should be here in the interests of 
this fortune, which had been so close to her — and — if 
she could only have foreseen! If she could have only 
saved Mrs. van Kamp^s life, or in some heroic manner 
secured the money which this stiff-necked piece, Peggy 
Beverley didn^t even need! If she could have caught 
this fortune — which seemed an easy matter from all ac- 
counts — why surely the man who knew most about it 
would have been only too happy to offer himself as a 
keepsake also — though if it were millions — ^why not a 
title? And Cissy fell back to earth with a thump as 
Mr. Blanchard continued in answer to her nod of 
assent : 

Mrs. van Kamp longed for the affection she did 
everything to repel, and her ability to say disagreeable 
things without giving the offence she knew well enough 
was only concealed through desire for that which her 
wealth provided, turned her into an unhappy virago, 
whose tongue was tipped with gall. She often told me 
that if she could find some girl on whom her fortune had 
no effect — whose favor she could not buy, and who would 
resent her rudeness — she would leave her every penny 
she possessed; and from Miss Beverley^s account, the 
fact that she refused Mrs. van Kamp^s frequent invita- 
tions to live with her and travel at her expense, prob- 
ably pleased the warped nature of the poor woman who, 
if she could not gain affection, was honest enough to 
desire open dislike, and who was sick to her very soul of 


PRETTY PEGGY O 369 

the submission which covered the hatred of her bene- 
ficiaries/^ 

Oh, arenT you sorry for her ? cried Amy, tears 
standing thick in her blue eyes. 

Indeed I am,^^ replied Mr. Blanchard. Her matri- 
monial experiences — she tried it twice — were most un- 
fortunate, but her heart broke when her daughter died, 
and it is your likeness, or the likeness she fancied she 
saw between Miss Beverley and the girl who died more 
than twenty years ago, was the real magnet, I believe, 

which drew her toward you 

He turned to Peggy as he asked, did I tell you that 
on the day she came to our office to sign the will we had 
drafted for her, she told me she would enclose a letter 
for your private reading, but although we searched dil- 
igently among her papers, we could find nothing, and I 
fear her illness followed too closely upon the settlement 
of her worldly affairs, for her to have attended to the 
matter. Yet I believe that letter would have been a 
comforting one to both of you.^^ 

It would indeed,’^ replied Peggy earnestly. Oh I 
hope she knows now that Pm sorry for my hatefulness. 
I’m so ashamed of myself. Dear me, if she’d only given 
me a hint about my likeness to her daughter, I’d have 
sat up and let her stare at me by the week. Well, it’s a 
comfort to think they’re together now, and I don’t sup- 
pose it’s possible to be rude in Heaven.” 

For my part, I never heard of such a premium upon 
bad manners,” broke out the still smarting Cissy. And 
the last person to lose her temper and give way to ob- 
jectionable speech is our Pretty Peggy 0 . Don’t tell 
me Pegibus, that you didn’t know the old lady’s ambition 
for scratches — who coached you I wonder? Lord! I 
wish the hint had been passed on to little Saint 
Cecelia — I’d have disgraced the parsonage in my efforts 
to cover the green with wigs. Well, it’s all over, but 
when I think of what I lost by not pulling her nose 


370 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


when I was introduced, I^m ready to damage my own 
features, I^m so angry. This is what Grandpa used to 
call hind sight — but mark me — never again will I cul- 
tivate civility ! From now on anyone presented to me 
will be wise to open an umbrella to ward off my attack. 
I really am going this time, so an revoir everybody, and 
congratulations, friend of my childhood,” and waving a 
friendly farewell. Miss Draper, who had had time to re- 
flect upon the advisability of keeping in close touch with 
so crumby a morsel as Peggy, turned homeward to elec- 
trify her family with her news. 

Before reaching the gate, however, she bethought her 
of an opportunity for pleasure if not profit, so running 
back a little way she called: 

Oh girls, thereTl be lovely moonlight, and the tide 
serves a little after ten, don^t you all want to come 
swimming ? ” 

^^Yes, we’re going tco — be sure you join us,” cried 
Amy, whereupon they were left in peace to try to realize 
the effect of Cissy’s announcement to Mrs. Beverley. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


371 


CHAPTER XXXL 

always array ourselves in our rooms, and run 
down to the beach, and afterwards, drop our bathing 
suits for comfort and dry dressing gowns in the bath 
houses under the bluff, announced Peggy, when supper 
was a thing of the past, and the tide could be heard lap- 
ping the cement steps, a sign that it was almost high 
water on the bar. 

^^Just come into the circular room for a second, 
whispered J ohn, Pve got something to show you.” 

Peggy nodded assent, then arose. ^^Pm going in to 
tell Maum^ Chloe we^ll be starved when we come back, 
and that she must have another supper. I don^t know 
what there is about swimming which gives such an ap- 
petite, but Pve kept house too long not to recognize the 
fact and provide accordingly.” 

Peggy trailed her soft white draperies through the 
hall, and was joined by John at the door. 

This is good of you sweetheart,” he whispered, bend- 
ing to kiss her. I never seem to get a word with you 
nowadays. Well,” with a sigh, all this fran-fran will 
soon be over, and Pll have my own wife to my own self. 
I tell you, Peggy darling, that yacht was a good idea, 
and I don^t mind taking it from Worthington for a 
time, for if ever a man was grateful — and with cause — 
iPs Charlie. And there^s something so entirely private 
about a yacht, and privacy is about as difficult a thing 
to secure on land — as ever Pve tried for.” 

Did you say you had something to show me John? ” 
hinted Peggy, is it something nice ? ” 

hope you^ll think so — here. Pve had more 


372 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

trouble with the thing — it isn’t built for any pocket — • 
and lumpy ! ” And he handed her a white leather case. 

Your wedding present with the love of your husband, 
Beauty Bright, do you like it ? ” 

Peggy pushed the spring, and gave a cry of rapture 
at the sight of the ne3klace inside. 

Oh, J ohn — diamonds ! And as big as — as — ^hazel 
nuts ! Oh J ohn, didn’t it break you spang in two to get 
it? I don’t care though — I’ll go without pickles and 
jam for a year, just for the pleasure of looking at it.” 
And throwing her arms around John’s neck, Peggy 
kissed him heartily. 

John, let’s put it on, eh?” she asked a little shyly. 

Oh isn’t it the beautifulest thing you ever saw?” 
letting the light flash and sparkle on the stones, before 
handing them to John to clasp around her soft white 
throat, 

Peggy swayed before the mirror watching the light 
play on the diamonds. It’s a good thing you happened 
on a cash pile like me, John,” she said, looking at him 
saucily over her shoulder, ^^for I don’t believe you’ll 
have two cents in the exchequer when you get through 
buying me pretty things — and the best of it all is, that 
you bought them, every one — before you knew how for- 
tunate. you are in our fortune.” 

For turning a sentence upside down and inside out, 
and at the same time saying something pretty, you 
haven’t your equal sweetheart, and I’m glad you like 
^the gift of the groom’ as they say in descriptions of 
the bride’s attirements.” 

I was just counting up,” said Peggy slowly. 

You’ve given me three rings, one diamond bracelet, 
and seven bangles — the loveliest and queerest I ever 
saw — and a pendant — an excruciating pendant — on a 
long chain with diamonds in it, like a rosary, almost — ' 
and a writing desk, and a traveling clock, and a set of 
diamond back combs which I’ve discovered I can wear 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


373 


hind part before^ and nobody would gness they weren^t 
all one and named a tiara, and now this ! To say noth- 
ing of the books, with which youVe struggled to im- 
prove my mind, and the flowers I made you stop order- 
ing. The poor things were always faded, and I simply 
couldnT stand having them put up in that dark box for 
their whole few hours of life. But thaPs a catalogue to 
turn any gir?s head, and I thank you for every — sin- 
gle — one — emphasizing each of the last three words 
with a kiss. 

^^It wouldnT look braggish if I wore this out and 
showed it ? asked Peggy anxiously. I’m so proud 
and delighted I can’t help wanting everybody to share. 
Let’s, shall we?” 

^^Your will is mine,” declared John submissively. 

Allow me ! ” throwing open the door and offering his 
arm. 

Nonsense, I’m simply aching with bashfulness now, 
don’t let’s accent our position,” said Peggy hurriedly. 

I wonder why everybody seems to have a right to laugh 
at brides and things,” she continued plaintively. I’ve 
done it myself, but I never will again — I know how it 
feels.” And Peggy sighed in sympathy with brides in 
general and herself in particular. 

I suppose I come under the head of things,” said 
John. You’re a bride you know; you can’t deny it, 
and you speak heartlessly of brides and things — I think 
you might have said grooms.” 

That’s worse, that sounds like stables. It isn’t even 
as high up as coachman, and as for chauffeur ! ” 

Turn turn, te turn,” sang Felix as they appeared in 
the doorway. I’m licensed musician, you know, so I 
feel it my duty to break into sweet sounds whenever op- 
portunity offers.” 

^^It isn’t opportunity offered now, it’s this — ^look!” 
And Peggy held up her head and sought the aid of 
moonlight to show the glory of John’s gift. 


374 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


And the praise forthcoming, being satisfactory even 
to her greedy delight, Peggy pirouetted about the piazza 
until she brought up at the door. 

1^11 just run over and show off to Maumer, then for 
salt water. 1^11 bet I can beat you swimming John ! 
And Peggy disappeared into the darkness of the hall. 

Half an hour later there was a gathering of sketchily 
costumed people who stopped on the edge of the bluff 
for Dr. McLane^s inspection, and great was the laughter 
at the makeshifts so jauntily worn by the men. 

John had early provided himself with a garment so 
necessary in Oglethorpe as a bathing suit, and Mrs. 
McLane^s slight figure, when belted in, looked graceful 
and girlish, in spite of Mrs. Beverley^s blue and white 
striped costume. Amy, with her shining hair piled 
high, and her little white alpaca suit was like a fairy in 
the moonlight, and Peggy, who had sacrificed an old but 
ample black silk skirt, and faithfully copied a garment 
designed for the sands of Trouville, was at her best, and, 
as is generally the case, quite aware of the fact. But 
fate had been unkind to both Mr. Blanchard and Felix, 
and great was the merriment as they bashfully picked 
their way through the moonlight. John had pressed Mr. 
Worthington^s suit upon his friend — ^who filled it to 
overfiowing — and whose prodigality of bare leg and 
upstanding shoulder gave him the appearance of trying 
to cljmb out of his clothes, and on the verge of success, 
while Felix — who had searched in vain for a suitable 
legacy in the discarded wardrobe of the master of Para- 
dise, had finally bethought him of his own pajamas — 
and without stopping to measure, cut with a lavish 
hand. So that when finally arrayed he was aghast at 
the result of that which had seemed to his untutored 
eye but a gentle snipping. 

You^re all jealous ! he scoffed, as he scuttled into 
the deepest patch of shade — you’re angry because you 
didn’t think of beautifying in this simple but effective 
manner yourselves — ^you wait 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


375 


But he was interrupted by shouts and splashings at 
the foot of the steps, and Miss Draper, attended by two 
cavaliers, called up to them to hurry. 

^^We^re coming cried Peggy. ^^John, help Mrs. 
McLane — and Peggy tripped down to the watePs 
edge. 

Why Adam ! and Telfair ! How can I bear up under 
such unhoped-for happiness ! and she slipped into the 
water to get within hand-shaking distance of the new- 
comers. 

Mrs. McLane shivered on the brink, dipping a hesi- 
tating foot into the water, but fearing to go further — - 
Amy and John passed her and their heads could be seen 
together far out on the shining river — and even Mr. 
Blanchard, though he stopped to offer his escort, was 
glad to get his abbreviated costume hidden by the 
friendly water. 

As she stood watching the others she heard Felix 
whisper behind her, Steady, Madre — don^t turn — 
just flap your doodle cape as if you were going to fold 
it, or something — so^s I can get down behind it. Hold 
on, not so fast, Mums^ — Pve pretty nearly scraped my 
shirt tail off on these confounded steps, and from the 
feeling, the hide has peeled to the bone. Now — flap. 
Mother — and as Mrs. McLane removed the long pon- 
gee cape she wore over her bathing suit, and waved it 
like a sheet in the wind, Felix dashed down the re- 
maining steps, and was entangled in the sweeping folds 
before he could escape — whereupon, after strenuous en- 
deavors to free his head, and hold his footing, he fell 
into the water with a tremendous splash, carrying his 
mother down with him. 

The McLane catastrophe seemed the signal for general 
skylarking, in which Miss Draper shone with especial 
luster. Standing erect, she would fix the position of 
some unsuspecting victim on her mind — then softly 
ducking, would swim under water and grasp the ankles 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


376 

of the luckless one in a grip which brought visions of 
sharks before his eyes, and shrieks of agitation from 
his lips. But once the playfulness of this performance 
was understood^ both Mr. Stainer and his friend Mr. 
Whitely entered into it with ardor, and the three were 
so busy under the surface that the unhappy Beverleys 
and their friends were kept in a state of perpetual ex- 
citement, which, on Peggy^s part, finally turned to 
vigorous expression. 

^^You Adam Stainer she cried, as the youth in 
question rose, like Aphrodite from the sea — If you 
do any more of these underhand grapplings, Pll drown 
you ! Don^t you grin at me, Adam — Pm enraged ! 
You^re a brute, Adam — first you scare me out of a yeaPs 
growth, and then you tear a big hole in my stocking — 
Go ^long and play with Cissy — I^m angry,^^ and Peggy 
swam off with the honors of war. 

But though Telfair pulled lustily at the cringing 
legs around him, his heart was heavy with the breaking 
up of the day dream he had cherished since he and 
Peggy had played at housekeeping together under the 
bluff. 

So finding her alone for a moment, he took her wet 
hand and drew her a little aside. I haven^t con- 
gratulated you, Peggy dear, but there’s no two ways 
about it, Beverley’s the luckiest man on earth. I hardly 
know him, so I can’t say anything about him — I hear 
he is a fine fellow, though — ” and Telfair told himself 
that fine as John might be, he knew a finer — that it was 
noble — knightly, in fact, to boom the stock of a success- 
ful rival — and gathering virtue from that already ex- 
hibited, he added: 

For your sake, Peggy, I hope all the good I hear of 
him is true — but I’d have him know one thing — and 
Telfair squared his sloping shoulders with resolution — 
If he isn’t kind to you after he’s got you. I’ll kill 
him! I’ll kill him with as little compunction as I’d 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


377 

crush a worm under my Yow! '' and Telfair leaped into 
the air with a shriek which curdled the echoes. 

Did I get you, Telly ? asked Cissy, rising close be- 
side the indignant hero — ^^you don’t know how you 
kicked ! you’re a regular Neddy-boy of a donkey. Telly — 
Look at the budding Judge — do you dare me to tweak 
him ? ” 

For the Lord’s sake. Cissy, behave,” cried Peggy, 
wiping the tears of laughter from her cheeks, I don’t 
want the man to think we’re Yahoos — ” but Cissy had 
disappeared, and Peggy fixed anxious eyes on the figure 
of her guest, who was enjoying himself tremendously, 
and, not being an expert swimmer, was jumping slowly 
up and down in water shoulder high, and watching Amy 
and Adam as they fioated side by side in the moonlight. 

Then with the suddenness of a magic lantern, the 
scene changed, and the air was split by a roar as of 
Bashan’s mightiest, while the placid face of the bather 
betrayed both rage and horror. 

In spite of the surprise with which Mr. Blanchard 
realized that he had been having his leg pulled with as 
little compunction as if that member belonged to some 
less dignified victim, he was quick to understand the 
situation, and game to resent it, and before Cissy could 
swim away to such a distance that she might not be sus- 
pected of the assault, fell upon her, and with no gentle 
hands hauled her gasping to the surface. 

Oh ! ” she cried as soon as she could speak — was 
that you? Do forgive me Mr. Blanchard — I thought I 
was making free with the anatomy of an old friend — I 
beg your pardon ! ” and Cissy looked up innocently into 
the wrathy face above her. 

In spite of her drenched hair, the moonlight was kind 
to Cissy — ^toning her too fiorid face to becoming pallor, 
and showing her neck and arms like ivory. 

With his hands grasping the girl’s shoulders, he looked 
keenly into her eyes — and as he did so, the anger faded 
out of his own. 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 


3;8 

You^re a near kinswoman of Sapphira, I fear, young 
woman/^ he said somewhat grimly, but I can’t go back 
on your testimony — Still, that you may remember never 
again to mix old friends and new, Fm going to teach 
you a little lesson — Shut your eyes ! ” and without wait- 
ing to see his advice followed, he began a curious motion 
in which his hands seemed scarcely to move, but under 
which Cissy found herself rolled over, pommeled, soused, 
and entirely helpless in his clutch, while he smiled above 
her, and those who had suffered from her submarine 
attacks looked on with mirth and gratification. 

There ! ” he said, removing the uncanny hands, 
How do you feel now ? Isn’t that circular motion a 
help to eyesight?” 

I’m that angry I’d like to scratch and bite,” fumed 
the humbled girl, but I’d give a pretty to know how 
you did that. You didn’t seem to do a thing, yet I 
rolled around like a pill in a bottle. Where did you 
learn it ? ” 

That bit of knowledge was acquired at great ex- 
pense of time, money and experience,” he replied, and 
I learned it in a part of India almost unknown to white 
men, and the few who have gone so far have needed 
this, and several other arts in order to get away.” 

Good people,” called Dr. McLane from the top of 
the bluff, ^Mt’s high time you came back to your own 
environment. You’ve been disporting yourselves like a 
lot of porpoises for nearly an hour — aren’t you tired? ” 
^^I’m off, anyhow,” said Mrs. McLane, stepping up 
into the bath house where Spoils had carried the dry 
clothing. 

^^And I’ve just remembered that if I should catch 
cold, my nose might be red on Wednesday — Murder ! ” 
cried Peggy, wringing out her skirt on the step. Good- 
night Cissy — good-night boys 

Good-night, see you to-morrow,” they rejoined, as 
they moved off toward that strip of beach sacred to the 
needs of the Parsonage. 


PRETTY PEGGY O 379 

Felix had been the last to enter the river, and was now 
the last to leave it. 

It isn^t so much modesty,” he confided to John, ^^as 
if s absolute nakedness ! If that Cissy girl had caught 
me unbeknownst, and Pd have given the leap I was 
saving for the occasion, Pd have been jailed for vicious- 
ness. Honest, my panties weren’t much to talk about 
when I started out in ’em — ^but what with shinning those 
hard-hearted steps, and the jumping-frog attitude neces- 
sary for swimming, I tell you what, Beverley, I haven’t 
got on enough to blush under. Here — you keep on the 
women’s side, and let’s trot up together — ready ? ” And 
with nervous agility, Felix gained the men’s bath house, 
and his full complement of clothes. 


380 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


CHAPTER XXXIL 

Peggy was dressed and ready for Church so long be- 
fore any of the others appeared that, for want of some- 
thing better to do, she strolled into the great dim draw- 
ing-room, and sat down before the piano, touching the 
keys softly, and weaving together chords and fragments 
of melody in keeping with her thoughts. 

With housewifely care she had made all preparations 
for her absence, and as she overlooked her work, she 
knew that it was good. 

She was to be married in the little Church next door, 
at noon on Wednesday, and after the simple wedding 
breakfast, she and John would go aboard the yacht Mr. 
Worthington had placed at their disposal, and wander 
along the coast at will, while Mrs. McLane would take 
Amy up to her home in Xew York, where John and 
Peggy would also stop for a few days before they sailed 
for the happy sightseeing toward which she and Amy 
had so often looked forward without hope of realization. 

The old house should remain as it was. After all 
these years of comfort and shelter, it should not be 
darkened and laid away to be forsaken, and perhaps for- 
gotten. Selina would see to it that the sun was kept out 
in summer, and that it gave health and warmth to every 
room in winter. This was home — and it must be home 
too for the negroes whose services, though paid for, were 
inherited. And if Selina needed advice. Uncle Doctor 
was always at hand. It would be a great happiness to 
poor Selina, Peg^ thought, a refuge in her old age after 
a life worn out in work for others. And when all this 
flurry about the wedding was over, and she and John 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


381 

had time to think and plan, they would decide how best 
to provide for the old friends at Oglethorpe — the un- 
complaining women — numb with the continual pinch of 
poverty, and the brave bowed heads of the few men who 
— crippled in fortune, in body, and in hope — were yet so 
cheery, and of such high courage. 

Of course ^Te Lulu would have to be paid, and paid 
well, for in the world’s eye she was her father’s wife. 
Yes, Peggy would be kind to ’Te Lulu, but with the as- 
surance of provision must come her promise to leave 
daughter and step-daughter alone. She might choose 
her ovm place of residence, thought Peggy, but Ogle- 
thorpe was barred. 

Hearing the click of Amy’s high heeled shoes on the 
stairs, Peggy gave a valedictory thump and went out to 
meet her. 

^^Do you know. Peg,” she announced, ^^Pm really 
learning to read a certain handwriting we know of. 
I puzzled over the last letter for an hour this morning, 
and I’m nearly certain he says he’s sending you a 
wedding present, and that there’s something in the box 
for the bridesmaid. I’m so excited I don’t know what 
to wish for — what do you bet they are? Both of them, 
I mean.” 

One is a silver nixal, and the other a golden wait- 
awhile, of course,” laughed Peggy. Do they deliver 
express on Sunday, I wonder? I was sure I heard 
wheels — ^let’s go see.” 

The girls sauntered towards the back piazza, but 
before they reached it, the door was thrown open, and 
with a shock of helpless horror they realized that Mrs. 
Beverley had returned. 

Dieudonnee ! ” she cried, flinging her arms around 
Amy, and attempting to press her to her breast. Oh 
my child, I’ve suffered so from this miserable separa- 
tion ! Dieudonnee, I’ve come back to you forever. I’ll 
never leave my little girl again ! ” And Mrs. Beverley 


382 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


laid one hand on her heart, while she held her hand- 
kerchief to her eyes with the other. 

Amy looked helplessly at Peggy, who was white to 
the lips. ^^Will you come in here please she asked 
quietly, opening the door of the circular room, and 
standing aside for her to pass in, then closing it softly, 
she faced her stepmother. 

Why have you broken your word, please ’Te Lulu ? 
she asked, thoughts and plans racing through her head 
without leaving any sensible idea to which she might 
cling. What made you come ? 

My duty to my dead husband’s child,” replied 
Mrs. Beverley solemnly. Could I stand aside and 
have you married in the presence of only strangers? 
Could I have my daughter left unprotected in this 
house with no companions except negroes? Uncon- 
trolled as you’ve always been Mag Beverley, even you 
ought to see the impossibility of that — and now, if 
you’ve finished your questions — ^which don’t form a 
very kindly reception. I’ll go up to my room if you 
please,” and Mrs. Beverley moved with majesty toward 
the door. 

I am sorry, but your room is not ready for you, 
neither am I ready to have you again under my roof,” 
said Peggy, whose heart was beating painfully and 
whose mouth was so dry from fright and nervousness 
that she could scarcely speak. ^^You may have for- 
gotten a little thing like the gift of five thousand 
dollars,” she went on, yet I gave it to you on the ex- 
press condition that you would go away and not bother 
any of us again, yet you’re back here almost before 
the ink has had time to dry on the check. ’Te Lulu, 
I beg you to go back quietly, for I can’t ask you to stay 
here, and I don’t want people to know of our family 
quarrels. Please go — and when I get over all this fuss 
about my wedding. I’ll see what I can do to help you. 
Honest, I mean to be kind/^ 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


383 


Oh you do, do you ? sneered the older woman. 
^^Well you take a mighty queer way of proving the 
truth of your word. Here Fve been, queen of this es- 
tablishment for eighteen years, yet this little beggarly 
upstart thinks she^ll turn me out! And how will you 
go about it, if I may enquire? Do you propose to use 
a dog whip, or will a strong armed darky prove suflfi- 
cient ? I declare to God, Mag Beverley, I came here in 
all friendliness to help you, and to see the child torn 
from my maternal breast, and Fm met on the very 
threshold with curses and threats of force 1 And Mrs. 
Beverley trembled with the rage which almost mas- 
tered her. 

Oh mamma, how can you be so unkind ! ” cried 
Amy. ^^You know as well as I that Peggy never 
threatened you, and you know you never were queen 
or anything else here. We were only barely tolerated 
outcasts, both of us. Oh I know ! Since Fve known the 
truth about my birth and your marriage, things that 
used to puzzle me are clear, and I can understand and 
sympathize with Peggy^s father, when he was kind and 
gentle to the vampire who had settled on him, and who, 
with her wretched ignorant child, taught him to long 
for death. I know! And Peggy has been the one 
person in all my life who has really loved me — I mean 
among my own kin — and she^s been kind and brave 
and true, and as staunch a friend as any poor girl 
could wish for. I can^t stand here and listen to you 
slang Peggy, and not speak out. Oh mamma, why 
did you come back?^^ And Amy flung herself into a 
big chair, and sobbed as if her heart were breaking. 

Go on — ^take any side but mine — don’t hesitate to 
cut me to the heart. Oh what a viper I have warmed 
in my bosom ! I have come home in the noblest spirit 
of self-sacriflce, giving up my long-desired travels, and 
imperiling my health, that I might keep the house 
until your return, and chaperone my only child!” 
And Mrs. Beverley’s eyes again sought the ceiling. 


3^4 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


Do mamma ! cried Amy. Don^t think we don^t 
know why yon came — if s as plain as the nose on yonr 
face. Cissy Draper told ns she had written yon all 
abont the wedding, and abont Peggy^s inheriting this 
money. I knew it — I felt it in my bones yon^d be down 
here at a gallop ! Oh I knew things were too good to 
last, I knew it, I knew it j^^ And Amy’s tears rolled 
nnheeded down her cheeks. 

^^’Te Lnln,” said Peggy qnietly, have gnests in 
the house, and I don’t want any noise or worry, so I 
ask yon again to go away. I promise Pll take care of 
yon — I’ll give yon a good allowance, but only on con- 
dition yon leave Amy and me alone. After all the un- 
kind things you’ve said to both of ns, I shouldn’t think 
it would be much of a trial to keep away from ns. As 
for this house, my arrangements are all made, and Dr. 
Martinean is to have it in charge — that is, he’ll be 
consulted by the caretaker — and as for Amy, she is 
going to New York this week, and in a little while 
she’ll go to Europe with John and me. Now I’ve 
outlined our plans, and all I can add is, that I shall be 
very sorry to call Dr. Martinean in to stand by me in 
this matter,” and Peggy, who felt sick with fright and 
misery, looked stern and brave enough to charge a 
battery. 

Mrs. Beverley flounced down in a chair by the win- 
dow. Go on,” she cried, get your rumpled headed 
old pill maker. I don’t care that for his heroics. I 
tell you Mag Beverley, I’m here to stay, and if you 
want me to go, you’ll have to break even on your for- 
tune. Half — and I take my departure^ — that is, if it’s 
as big as Cissy made out — ^but if you’re not willing 
to share, you’ve got me on your back as long as I can 
hold on to live — so now ! ” And Mrs. Beverley showed 
her sharp white teeth in a smile which made Peggy 
cold with helpless dislike. 

All right,” she said wearily. Come Pinkus, I can’t 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


385 


go to Church. I^m not in the right frame of mind. 
But I canT stay here either. Come with me please/^ 
and Peggy followed Amy from the room, taking the key 
from the key hole and replacing it on the outside, 
where she turned it, and after trying the door to see 
that it was firm, slipped the key in her belt. 

You Mag Beverley ! roared her stepmother. You 
fool, youfil pay for this!^^ And the staunch old door 
resounded to the application of Mrs. Beverley^s heels. 

But the three McLanes were in Church, as was Mr. 
Blanchard, and Treason could be seen placidly shell- 
ing peas on the kitchen steps. Spoils was up stairs, 
but no amount of curiosity had ever been known to 
cause her an extra step, so the girls felt they had luck 
with them in the matter of secrecy, for the present, at 
any rate. 

I suppose Pd better run over to Church and look 
for Uncle Doctor, said Peggy ruefully, but I hate to 
do it — it makes such a commotion, and people will 
think somebody^s sick, and everybodyfil look, and the 
McLanes will all come streaking home to be of use — and 
oh dear ! 

It seems to me thaPs a goodly number of hap- 
penings. How long will it all take, do you suppose 
asked John appearing from the library. ^^Miss Bev- 
erley, do you realize you^re late for Church, and that 
the good parson will have to lean on his own music if 
you donT hurry ? Why whaPs the matter, little girl ? 
as he caught sight of Peggy^s face. WhaPs the 
tragedy ? 

Oh J ohn, listen — and both girls plunged into the 
story of Mrs. Beverley^s return. knew she^d do it, 
the second I heard that objectionable Cissy thing say 
sheM written to her. Oh John, what shall we do? 
She says she wonT budge unless I give her a whole 
half of all our money! She says shefil live with us 
till she dies ! And Amy and Peggy fell simulta- 


386 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


neonsly into John^s arms, and begged for aid and pro- 
tection. 

I was just scouting for XJncle Doctor, but I hate to 
drag him out of Church — everybody always thinks 
somebody^s dying and won^t take no for an answer,^^ 
sighed Peggy. ^^Do you think you — er — feel up to 
trying to quiet her, John? Just listen to the way she 
kicks ! as the sound of Mrs. Beverley^s antics against 
the panels rolled through the house. 

Certain sure,^^ replied John with enlivening con- 
fidence, But I want a free hand 

That and anything else on earth,^^ they promised 
him, and they clung together and watched their cham- 
pion, armed with the key, march to the door, open it, 
and walk in. 

For an hour the sounds of strife broke the peaceful 
Sunday quiet of the house, and Peggy and Amy would 
creep forward to catch the meaning of some specially 
warlike burst — then scuttle into hiding as they feared 
an advance from the enemy. Then there seemed to be 
a lull, and they could hear John^s voice, though not 
his words, in uninterrupted flow for a time that seemed 
endless. 

They were about to relieve unbearable curiosity by 
another sally, when they heard quick steps across the 
floor, and the door opened. No sound gave any clue 
to what was happening, so quickly taking off her hat, 
which was of a size difficult to hide, Peggy tiptoed to 
the piazza door, and peeped into the yard — then waved 
a frantic invitation to Amy, who arrived in time to 
see John help Mrs. Beverley into the decrepit carry-all 
in which she had made the journey from the junction, 
and in which she now, with no backward look nor any 
sign of farewell, drove down the shadowed road, and, 
for the time being, out of their lives. 

^^WelV^ said John, returning with smiles and vic- 
tory to the agitated girls upon the threshold, ^^It 


3 ^ 7 . 


PRETTY PEGGY Q 

will cost you ten thousand a year, but I think you^re 
safe, and you would very likely have given her an 
annuity, anyhow. Are you satisfied ? I didn’t overstep 
my boundaries, did I ? ” 

‘^Oh John, are you sure? How did you manage 
it? What did she say? What did you say?” cried 
both girls as they drew him into the hall and closed 
the door behind him. 

^^Well, I put it to her reasonably,” replied the hero 
of the hour. I pointed out that she has absolutely no 
claim on Peggy, and that if she gave trouble, she could 
not expect to share in Peggy’s fortune. She took a 
lot of convincing, but I think I convinced her, finally, 
so that’s all right — put it off your minds, and let’s be 
easy — and if we can’t be easy, let’s be as easy as we 
can,” and John, who regarded everything through the 
rose-colored glasses of happiness, beamed upon his au- 
dience, and proceeded to take toll. 

Don’t you think,” began Peg^ hesitatingly, 
that, as nobody knew of her arrival, we might simply 
not mention it to anyone but Uncle Doctor, eh? It 
would seem so odd for her to turn her back upon the 
festivities, such as they are, and I hate to have people 
talk — so let’s be quiet — shall we?” 

^^The decision is decided, let’s!” and Amy’s laugh 
was so hearty, and the relief from Mrs. Beverley’s pres- 
ence so happy, that the others joined in her mirth, 
and the situation which had begun in helpless despair, 
ended in helpless laughter. 


388 


PRETTY PEGGX Q 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

On Peggy’s wedding day the snn rose in a cloudless 
sky — and the soft breeze which blew across the flower 
decked land and rumpled the placid surface of the 
water, was laden with the exquisite perfume of Spring, 
ripening into Summer. 

Peggy sat on the wide window ledge and stared out 
into the brightening east. Her wedding day ! Now it 
had come, it seemed so natural — so ordinary — as if she 
was so accustomed to weddings, that they had become 
a sort of habit — and a part of the day’s routine. 

Peggy smiled as she remembered how — ^long ago, 
John had been a stranger — and how not so long ago, 
she had doubted her love for him — and feared it might 
be only an inspired friendship. She did not doubt 
now — ^that had passed. No — ^it was all right. John 
was John — there was nothing more to be said — John 
filled her heart and life exclusive of all else — and she 
leaned upon the knowledge of his love for her with the 
happy restfulness of a tired child who has found its 
way home. As the sky brightened, and turned from 
amethyst to rose, and from rose to blinding gold Peg^ 
slipped into a little white morning frock — ^her hair 
hanging in braids, and her feet in tiny red slippers 
whose high heels, she fancied, added the height she 
craved, then crept softly down stairs — and drawing 
back the heavy bolt, opened the door upon the morning. 

Not stopping to look around, she ran fleetly down 
between the hedge-rows — and through the Churchyard 
gate — to her father’s grave. 

Peggy knelt beside the headstone, and throwing her 


PRETTY PEGGY O 389 

bare arms around the cold marble^ laid her head upon 
them. 

Daddy/^ she whispered, don^t think I think you’re 
here — I know you’re not — I just come here, but it’s 
not with any morbid thought. I remember your teach- 
ings — I won’t forget. And Father darling this is my 
wedding day. Oh reach down from Heaven and bless 
your little girl. Daddy — and you mustn’t feel that my 
love for John has weakened my love for you — ^you’ve 
got two of us to love you now, that’s all — and Father — 
Mother — ^my heart goes out to both of you. Bless the 
Peggy Beverley who is, and bless the Peggy Beverley 
who will be after noon to-day. Good bye — ^good bye — 
good-bye.” 

Peggy rose calm and dry eyed, and was not sur- 
prised to find J ohn waiting for her. 

thought you’d be here, sweetheart,” he said, 
kissing the lovely mouth she raised to his, without 
thinking of possible watchers. 

^^Did you sleep, John?” she asked. Neither did 
I,” as John shook his head in denial. But the night 
didn’t seem long a bit. I was thinking about you, 
mostly, and it’s strange — ^but I can hardly believe 
there was a time I didn’t know you — ^is that the way 
you feel about me?” 

I may not have known I knew you,” replied John, 
^^but you lived in my heart. Pm sure — ^possibly from 
some former existence — some people believe that, don’t 
they ? ” 

^^I’ve read things about it,” said Peggy, ^^but I 
don’t worry over things which haven’t any real an- 
swer — only the decisions for and against which men 
hammer out for themselves — ^No, Pm content just to 
love you, and trust my Heavenly Father — God’s in His 
Heaven, all’s right with the world.” 

Amen,” said John softly. Now run in. Ladylove, 
or the bride will be sneezing. No, Pll be in at break- 
fast time — ^till then, dearest, dearest, dear little heart ! 


390 


PRETTY PEGGY O 

Soon after Peggy left the Churchyard the old Sexton 
was roused, and the key of the Church given to the men 
who had arrived with a great wagon full of flowers for 
decorations, Mrs. McLane and Peggy having devoted 
reams of paper to a correspondence upon the subject, 
and the arrangements having been made by Mrs. 
McLane before she reached Oglethorpe. 

And the outlay of time and patience, as well as of 
taste and money, was amply repaid, for when the doors 
were opened, and the friendly people of Oglethorpe 
made an early appearance, that they might lose nothing 
of the pageant, the stained old building seemed a 
veritable bower, and the chancel, shaded by tall palms, 
and banked with bride roses and sweet peas — all white, 
or palest blush, was like a nook in fairyland. 

^^How are you going to make the distance between 
house and Church, Beauty Bride asked Felix after 
breakfast. IPs too near to use a carriage, and rather 
far to drag a frock with a train a yard long. I don’t 
vouch for that description myself,” he added quickly. 
^^Far be it from me to attempt anything so entirely 
beyond my mental grasp. Pm only quoting Amy when 
I say the wedding garment possesses tail feathers of un- 
godly length, and for my part, I fear our Pretty 
Peggy 0 will have to tack Treason and Stratagem on 
as trainbearers — pages, don’t you call ’em? I’ll tell 
you what,” and Felix surveyed his audience with ra- 
diant smiles, wouldn’t offer as a general rule, but 
as a token of admiration far — far deeper than you’ve 
ever allowed me to confess. I’ll offer you my hereto- 
fore uncrossed back. Beauty Bride. If it will solve the 
locomotive question, you shall sit on a cushion plus 
Felix, and after I’ve pick-a-backed you over to the 
vestibule at a gentle amble. I’ll come back and carry 
John gallop-a-trot ! Or maybe I’d better take John 
first? For fear the congregation might get the ideai 
that he was dodging, you know, eh ? ” 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


391 


Felix, you^re incorrigible ! laughed Peggy, but 
do you know^^ looking around her rather helplessly — 

I have been worried about getting to Church without 
mud — or dust — or whatever the weather supplies. Isn^t 
it a mercy it isn^t raining! Fancy hopping along in 
your white satin slippers — with your train over your 
arm, and an umbrella to keep your veil dry,^^ and 
Peggy’s voice was of unmitigated tragedy. 

Come along Pretty Peggy 0 — you haven’t a thing 
to worry about — so don’t begin these awful ifs” cried 
Amy. Let’s go and get our hair up — and we might 
as well get dressed too, even if it is too early — for 
Maumer won’t do a thing in the kitchen till she gets 
you off her hands — and on this day of all days, she’s 
got to spread herself,” and linking her arm in Peggy’s, 
Amy bore off the bride to her tiring. 

Doesn’t it seem a little curious to you,” asked Mr. 
Blanchard as he and Mrs. McLane sauntered out to 
the shady piazza. Doesn’t it seem a little curious to 
you that both these young ladies allow that old negress 
to have her own way with them? Pve noticed several 
times that when it came to a difference of opinion, 
Chloe was apt to win out — and look at this case in 
point! Miss Beverley will be dressed half an hour 
before time — ” 

^^That her old nurse may have the happiness of 
dressing her,” interrupted Mrs. McLane. Yes, I 
was surprised too, when I first lived here, but I un- 
derstand the matter better now — I don’t think I can 
define it in words, though — it’s feudal — it’s loyalty — 
I don’t know what to call it — ^but you know, in most 
instances you hear of the devotion of the lower to the 
higher^ — it doesn’t seem so here — so far as I’ve been 
able to judge, Peggy has a feeling of protection, and 
of honest love for these negroes whose welfare she 
regards as a duty imposed by Heaven. I think you’d 
find many things surprising — as I did — if you lived 


392 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


down here a few months — my whole outlook has 
changed — in fact — and Mrs. McLane laughed a 
little—— 

In fact, Mother Mine/^ cried Felix from the door- 
way, if you donT fish my Sunday-go-to-meeting studs 
out of the seclusion of your jewelry box, 1^11 get — what 
is it women get when you try to hurry them ? Nerves, 
thaPs it — 1^11 get nervous. And Fve simply got to have 
those studs. I never can play the wedding march un- 
less Pve got ^em on.^^ 

Thereupon there ensued a frenzied search — not only 
for the studs without which Felix felt unable to ap- 
proach the organ, but for the many inanimate objects 
which, in moments of stress, become virulently active, 
and evade detection with a precision almost devilish in 
its malignity. 

Finally, however. Dr. McLane^s bands were pressed 
by Spoils and placed in the vestry room, and Felix, re- 
splendent in the musical studs was ready to calm im- 
patience by the application of such selections as he felt 
he could master upon an instrument with which he 
could claim but slight acquaintance. 

Mrs. McLane beautifully gowned, and flushed with 
nervous agitation, wandered through the shaded rooms 
all sweet with flowers, and wondered what it would be 
like when Felix came to brave matrimony. For if she 
felt like this, when Peggy who was but a friend — if it 
should ever happen that Felix — and Mrs. McLane 
clasped her gloved hands, then hunted for a handker- 
chief. 

Meanwhile with Amy’s help, and Chloe’s hindrance, 
Peggy was arrayed, and able to give finishing touches 
to her bridesmaid, then both sailed majestically down 
stairs to court admiration before their journey Church- 
ward. 

Turn turn ti turn ” hummed Felix, turn turn ti 
turn ” joined in the bridegroom and his best man, while 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


393 


the clergyman rumbled something approaching the tune 
in the far recesses of his larynx. Here comes the 

bride ! chanted Amy, do you 

you all don^t stop guying, Pll fall down and 
break out my front teeth — just from bashfulness, cried 
Peggy, who with Maum^ Chloe carrying her train, and 
holding back at such times as she should give slack for 
forward movement, was making a very jerky progress 
down the steps. 

John, you ought not to see her until she gets to 
Church,^^ cried Mrs. McLane. forgot — I should 

have warned you. They say iPs bad luck to have the 
bridegroom see the bride in her wedding gown until the 
very moment And Mrs. McLane looked about her 
with tragic eyes. 

Oh, thaPs all right. I had a fancy to make my wed- 
ding gown myself, and as John would disport himself in 
the sewing-room most of the time, he’s seen it under all 
circumstances — on and off,” replied Peggy. Thanks 
Maumer dear, just spread it flat, and let me peacock up 
and down the hall a bit to show off. Oh Uncle Doctor, 
come along!” as she caught sight of Dr. Martineau in 
wedding garments, coming through the door into the 
back hall. 

Darn Devil Peggy, but you’ve outdone yourself,” 
cried the old man raising his hands to his head, then 
taking them quickly down, with a guilty look which 
brought peals of laughter from his audience. 

Come here Unc’ Billy Boy,” said Peggy. You’ve 
got to ’scort the bride elect — ^that’s the right word, isn’t 
it — over to the Church, so don’t get gay with your ring- 
lets, lovey — and do, for my sake, don’t claw your cravat 
into a choking string, or Dr. McLane will have to stop 
in the service and cut you down.” 

You rely on your Uncle, Pretty Peggy 0,” replied 
the old man offering his arm, and strutting down the 
hall. How’s this for the step, eh Bitter ? It’s been 


394 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


many a year since I lent the lustre of my beauty to any 
sort of fran-fran. How do we look, eh ? ” 

^^We look just too lovely for anything answered 
Felix. Row Beauty Bride, it wants fifteen minutes 
to twelve by my gold watch and chain. Pm off. Uncle 
Eit, you’d better be getting into your white wings. I 
saw Dr. Draper already attired and scouting out the 
side door ten minutes ago. Amy, do start J ohn and his 
backer off in time, for I’ll have to repeat my few musical 
stunts if you’re late, and I’m not a Beverley to go mak- 
ing music out of nothing, by the hour at a time. Madre, 
see they don’t keep me soothing their savage breasts any 
longer than necessary. Good-bye, Peggy Beverley. 
Exit a heart-broken lover — Adieu.” And with a flourish 
of his mother’s handkerchief, borrowed for the occasion, 
that his own might remain in its pristine folds, Felix 
departed, and five minutes later the notes of the organ 
could be heard on the soft still air. 

Here, Peggy, let me fasten this — just here,” said 
Mrs. McLane sticking a pin carefully into the folds of 
Peggy’s veil. ^^What lovely lace! And I’m glad you 
decided to wear your pearls, too.” 

^^You see my mother, and her mother, and ever so 
far back, always wore these pearls on their wedding day, 
so I hadn’t the heart to break the line, though I wanted 
to wear all of J ohn’s presents, and I couldn’t do both, so 
I compromised on John’s necklace and the Maturin 
pearls, and if it’s a hotch potch nobody in Oglethorpe 
will know, and nobody anywhere will care. Do they 
look — er — rightish ? ” 

Lovely,” assented the older woman. Everything 
is exactly as it should be, from the bride to the weather. 
Row I think I’ll go on over, eh? ” 

Yes, and do tell Telfair to see the servants get good 
seats. I want Maum’ Chloe to sit where she can over- 
look the whole performance. Did you ever see anything 
like the toothiness of that smile Spoils has put on for 


PRETTY PEGGY O 395 

tHe occasion?” And Peggy turned to her dependents 
who formed an admiring group in the back hall. 

Maumer, it^s time you all were starting,” she cried. 

Go to Mas^ Telfair — he^ll see that you see, and Mrs. 
Lane will see that he sees that you see, though Pve al- 
ready cautioned him. Run Maumer, or you won’t see 
the last of Pretty Peggy 0 .” 

The servants filed off in Mrs. McLane’s wake. John 
and Mr. Blanchard were swallowed in the gloom of the 
vestry door, and only Peggy and Amy waited with Dr. 
Martineau for the stroke of the hour. They had already 
broken their compact of silence in his favor, and the old 
doctor had been both interested and relieved to know of 
Mrs. Beverley’s final suppression. 

You’ve all the fortune in the world, and somebody’s 
absence shines out as a big part of it, daughterkin,” he 
whispered as he offered his arm to the bride, but all 
the fortune in the world is only what you deserve,” he 
added staunchly. 

A pinch for stale news,” laughed Peggy, giving his 
arm a little nip with her gloveless fingers. Come 
Dockelly — Amy, is anything dragging? Do don’t let 
my frillikins get into the dirt, and be sure you don’t 
kick up any dust as you walk ahead, Pinkus — Go 
Ginger ! ” 

So Amy, in her dainty lace and embroidered frock, and 
the great hat which shaded a face as fresh and exquisite 
as anyone of the armful of pale pink sweet peas which 
she carried, went slowly down the steps, and between the 
high hedges followed by Peggy with her hand on Dr. 
Martineau’s trembling arm. 

TJnc’ Billy Boy,” whispered the bride, as they edged 
through the wicket gate, I believe you’re scared ! ” 

Scared ! ” snorted the worthy doctor. Peggy, I’d 
rather face a mother’s meeting ! Don’t you ever ask me 
to go through this again,” and Dr. Martineau raised his 
unoccupied hand towards his sleek hair, then jabbed it 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


396 

violently into his striped gray pocket, while his groan 
was none the less forcible because suppressed. 

If you all make me laugh, Fll die” murmured Amy, 
who with head erect still marched slowly forward. I 
feel my mouth grinning till it makes my eyes water, 
she wailed under her breath, ^^and Fm just heaving 
with hysterics, and I know Fm going to sob all the way 
up the aisle — ^that, or do Cheshire cat grins — Lord ! 

Shut up, you Pinkus ! cried the bride, without 
moving her lips. ^^If you get me laughing, Fll roll! 
My legs are giving way right now, and Fm making 
faces — I can’t help it — and I said I wasn’t scared!” 
And Peggy clutched Dr. Martineau, who held her firmly. 

As they reached the vestibule, they saw Mr. StaineFs 
legs disappearing up the stairs to the organ loft, and 
while Selina was still on her knees settling the bride’s 
train, regardless of her own best black silk, the wedding 
march rang out, and the doors were thrown open, re- 
vealing the two clergymen embowered in palms and 
fiowers, with John and his friend just visible in the 
shadows behind. 

Amy, wait ! ” whispered Peggy — ^but Amy had 
started, and there was nothing to do but follow, so, with- 
out stopping for that last moment in which she wished 
to voice the fears she had scorned to think possible, 
Peggy found herself in the aisle — ^then at the chancel 
steps, where Dr. Martineau seemed to fade from her 
grasp. 

Then John’s face was smiling into hers, and she was 
standing before the clergymen, who said something, and 
she made several answers, but neither ritual nor ques- 
tion found place in her brain, and her replies were from 
the lips only. 

And when John had placed a plain gold ring on the 
fourth finger of her left hand, and when she had knelt, 
and when J ohn had bent over and kissed her lips before 
the very eyes of Oglethrope, and the clergyman had said 


PRETTY PEGGY O 


397 


something — and John had said something — the gay 
sounds of Mendelssohn’s march rang through the 
Church — and Peggy turned, and with her hand on 
John’s arm, walked back through the rows of friendly 
faces into the sunlight beyond. 


THE END. 



The Eternal Evangel — Solomon S. Hilscher $1.50 

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Anvil Sparks — Radical Rhymes and Caustic 

Comments, by Wilby Heard 75 

The Medical Expert and Other Papers — Louis J. 

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The Little Sufferers (dealing with the Abuses of 

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Eureka, a Pro^ Poem — S. H. Newberry i .00 

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Poenas by Charles Guinness i . 00 

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Jones I.oo 

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The Last Word: a Philosophical Essay — James 
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Travel 

Eight Lands in Eight Weeks (illustrated by 90 

drawings) — Marcia P. Snyder 1.25 

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